Thank you to everyone who has submitted a pledge for next fiscal year, 2023-2024. Your generous support means so much to all of us. As of February 21, 2023 we have raised $321,000 (about 60%) toward our goal of $499,000!
During this year’s pledge drive, our pledges need to be as BOLD as our goals for First Unitarian. The funding for our future starts now. With increased funds, we can build the programs that we want with improved technology, infrastructure, and more staff. We cannot wait for future church members to start the work; it starts with us! Do each of us have the commitment to share our time and financial resources so that we can meet our ambitious goals? The answer must be yes if we are to realize the future First U we want to see. Generating our future starts now!
Ready to pledge or want to learn more about our church finances and pledge options? Please go to our website here.
If you prefer, we will have a table at coffee hour after worship with pledge forms available. You can also call the church office at 302-478-2384 and give your pledge over the phone, or stop by and pick up forms in the front office, during office hours, M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Once you have decided on how much you want to pledge to support First U, it’s time to consider how to pay for your pledge. One option that may work for you are Qualified Charitable Distributions, if you are eligible.
QCD’s (Qualified Charitable Distributions)
Did you know that money you have in your IRA account was put in tax free and tax must be paid when you take money out of your IRA? Even if your heirs inherit your IRA, they will have to pay tax on the funds! If you are at least 70 ½ years old in this tax year, there is an easy way to take money out of your IRA TAX FREE! If you have money sent from your IRA directly to a charity (like First Unitarian Church!), you can avoid ever paying taxes on that withdrawal. This is called a “QCD.” So don’t use your precious “after tax” money to donate to the church, use your IRA money tax free and contribute to our church. Just contact your IRA administrator and tell them you want to make a “QCD” donation to First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, De at 730 Halstead Drive, Wilmington, DE 19803. They will send you a form to sign and will send the donation directly to First U (required by IRS to be sent directly to the church by your administrator.) PS. This counts towards your RMD (required minimum distribution) if you are required to take out money from your IRA and you can make a QCD recurring every year!
Why should I do this?
If you just turned 70, you might ask, “why should I make a QCD from my IRA if I’m younger than the age required to take money out of my IRA?” Well, if you were going to make a pledge or a donation to the church anyway, why use your precious “after tax” money to do that? Do it tax free and make your pledge! It’s easy and it’s a smart way to support the church.
More info on using QCD’s
If you are at least 70 ½ years old, taking money out of your IRA tax free (as a QCD) by sending it directly to a charity (like First U) will also give you more benefits in addition to avoiding tax on that money. If you just take money out of your IRA, it is included in your taxable income and may push you into a higher tax bracket. It may also reduce the amount you receive in social security and have you pay more in Medicare premiums. Taking the IRA money out as a QCD and giving it directly to a charity (like First U), the amount is NOT included in your taxable income and you avoid those additional hassles!
Thank you for your support of First Unitarian Church
Your Stewardship Team