Stewardship:
INVEST IN KNOX

Why I Invest in Knox

Laura Stith Deck

Why I Invest in Knox

Brittany Woolf

To give to Knox, tap/click the button below and specify the purpose of your gift, including supporting the General Fund or the Knox Music Series.

Why We Give

The Bible instructs us to be “joyful givers” – and at Knox, that certainly is the case. We acknowledge the blessings of God in our lives, and we give generously of our time, our talents, and our resources. By doing so, we are supporting not only the operations of Knox Church, but also the many ministries and outreaches to our community and the world – and thus are building God’s realm on earth.

How To Give

Regular Giving
Regular Giving

Yes, we take an offering at each weekly worship service at Knox, and for many that is the most convenient way to give their tithes and offerings. Others choose to support Knox on a monthly, quarterly or annual gift basis.

These regular gifts, which are mostly the result of our annual pledge campaign, form the foundation for Knox, funding our annual operating expenses, on-going mission support, and other ministries of the church.

You may give by putting your offering in the weekly collection plate on Sundays, by mailing it to Knox Church, or giving online.

Special Offering
Special Offering

From time to time through the year, Knox Church participates in special offerings for the Presbyterian Church (USA).  These offerings support the increasingly vital missions of the national church, including disaster relief and educational assistance, as well as support of retired pastoral staff and others who have faithfully served the church.

Year-end Giving

This is the time of year when many people make year-end gifts to Knox.  If that’s in your plans, thank you!  Here are some ways to make your giving easier and more effective.

Year-end cut-off

All qualifying gifts received in-hand or postmarked on or before December 31 will be reported on your Contribution Statement as qualifying for the charitable gift deduction for that year for tax purposes.

Let us know if you are making a gift via stock transfer.

We sometimes get gifts of stock and securities for which we cannot identify the donor.  If you’re going to make a gift of that nature, please call or drop a note to the Knox Finance Manager so they can make sure your gift is recognized for tax purposes.

If you are 70-1/2 or older:

Federal law allows you to make direct charitable gift transfers from your IRA to a qualified charity such as Knox, totaling up to $100,000 every year.  For many, this offers a better tax advantage than an itemized charitable gift deduction.  You may save tax on your social security income and state income, and avoid the effects of other AGI limitations.  Please consult with your tax advisor to understand what benefits may be available to you.

How to make the donation

Instruct your IRA trustee or custodian to make a transfer from your IRA directly to the charity (Knox Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati).

Legacies, Memorials & Endowments

With good planning, you can make sure that your estate not only reflects your wishes, but can positively impact the history of Knox Church, its missions, and the lives of its members for years to come. You may provide a gift for use wherever it is most needed at the time, or consider adding to a particular fund of the Knox endowment.

Life Insurance

You may designate Knox as the owner and beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy that you wish to donate. Alternately, you may make Knox the full beneficiary, percentage beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of a policy.  This type gift may provide you with tax benefits now and in the future.

Endowment Gifts

Presently, income from the endowment created by the financial legacy of others contributes almost 7% of each year’s annual operating budget. Yet, even as funds are distributed yearly, the endowment continues to grow, and the amount in the funds is larger than the total of all contributions made to it. Think of all the ministries this makes possible.

Ways to Give

Gifts can be made currently with cash, securities, real estate or other personal property, or can be planned, generally as deferred gifts through bequests, trusts, or retirement or insurance plan beneficiary designations. Many of these gift types are tax-deductible for all or part of the gift.

Plan a Future Gift

Legacy, or Future Gifts, are planned now for the future benefit of Knox. Bequests or Beneficiary Designations provide a way that members can make a significant contribution, often allowing for much larger gifts than can be made in one’s lifetime.  It is always recommended to seek experienced legal and financial counsel in planning such gifts.

Bequests through Wills or Trusts

Bequests can be made to Knox Church in your will, or in a codicil to your will.  A codicil may be added without changing the rest of the will.

Life Insurance

You may designate Knox as the owner and beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy that you wish to donate. Alternately, you may make Knox the full beneficiary, percentage beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of a policy.  This type gift may provide you with tax benefits now and in the future.

Endowment Gifts

Presently, income from the endowment created by the financial legacy of others contributes almost 7% of each year’s annual operating budget. Yet, even as funds are distributed yearly, the endowment continues to grow, and the amount in the funds is larger than the total of all contributions made to it. Think of all the ministries this makes possible.

 

Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations

You may also designate Knox as the beneficiary of many types of retirement plans. Using the beneficiary designation form avoids potential tax liabilities that may occur if leaving them through your will.

Trusts

Trusts such as Charitable Remainder Trusts provide income, charitable tax deductions and avoid capital gains on the sale of appreciated property for donors, while benefiting Knox

Endowment Funds

The Knox Presbyterian Church Permanent Endowment Trust has as its intended mission “to ensure the continuation and stability of Knox, its mission and its programs, and to promote and facilitate its ministry”.  This fund has been in existence for 40 years.

The Knox Presbyterian Church Mission Projects Endowment Trust is intended to help meet unbudgeted opportunities to expand the mission work and ministry of Knox Church to our congregation, our community, and the world.

The David Scott Mooney Fund for Troubled Youth, is intended to “focus on serving the needs of troubled youth in the Tri-State area of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

The Barbara York Fund for Christian Education, is intended to support, enrich and recognize the Sunday school teachers of Knox Church.  It was created in 2012 with Memorial Funds from Barbara’s family and friends.

Memorial Gifts

Memorial gifts can provide the opportunity to give in a particularly meaningful way. Families often request that, in lieu of flowers, a loved one be remembered with a memorial donation. These gifts can range from a small contribution to an endowed memorial fund in memory of the deceased loved one.

Memorial gifts can be made right now, with a current donation, or through a pre-planned estate gift, or deferred gift.  You can designate how you want your donation to be used, but it is best to check on the need and ability of Knox to use the gift as you intend.  Undesignated gifts are also welcome, and allow Knox to use the funds to fulfill whatever need is most critical at the time the gift is made.

Memorials, Tributes and Legacies

View the most recent list here.

Information & Resources to Help You in Your Planning

Legal Help

For additional information, contact your financial advisor, estate-planning attorney or call the church office.
Knox does not provide tax or legal advice but if desired, members of the Memorial and Endowment Committee are available to meet with you and your financial advisor, attorney, or accountant to discuss potential gifts.

Questions? Please contact the Knox Finance Manager through the button below.