Year-End Giving
Year End Giving
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to reflect on the blessings we share at Saint Luke’s and how your generosity helps us grow, love, and serve in Christ’s name. Your year-end giving strengthens our mission and our ministries that carry Christ’s love into our community in the year ahead.
What tax changes are coming in 2026 that may affect my giving?
Three main changes take effect on January 1, 2026:
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The maximum tax benefit from charitable giving decreases from 37% to 35% for those in the top bracket.
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For itemizers, a new 0.5% of AGI floor will apply before charitable deductions count.
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Taxpayers who take the standard deduction will be able to claim a $1,000 ($2,000 for couples) charitable deduction for the first time.
Because of these changes, some parishioners may choose to make gifts before December 31, 2025.
If I want to make a 2025 year-end gift before these rules take effect, when is the deadline?
To be credited as a 2025 gift, contributions must be received or postmarked by December 31, 2025. Online gifts must be completed by 11:59 pm that evening. For information on how to make various types of gifts, please click here. Because processing times may vary and the Parish Office will be closed for a few days over the holiday, please consider initiating these transfers early. You can make your gift via Realm. Gifts made by 11:59 pm on December 31, 2025 will be recorded for the 2025 tax year.
What is the difference between a ‘pledge’ and a ‘gift’?
A pledge is a commitment to support Saint Luke’s, and a gift is a payment made to complete that pledge of support.
What is Saint Luke’s asking of me this year?
This is a unique year for Saint Luke’s, as we are asking for parishioners to pledge their financial support in two meaningful ways:
- 2026 Annual Stewardship Appeal: Your annual contributions entirely fund our church’s operating budget each year – keeping the lights and heat on, supporting clergy and staff, funding programs, music, and pastoral care, and making worship and community possible. Parishioners make pledges toward each year’s Annual Appeal, then complete those pledges through payments, either one-time or regularly scheduled contributions, to complete their annual pledge.
- Renew & Reimagine Capital Campaign: This year, we are coming together to take on some major projects that cannot be addressed by our annual operating budget. We are asking parishioners to make an additional financial contribution to Saint Luke’s to invest in our future by rebuilding our deteriorating steeple tower, restoring our church bells, improving access to church buildings for all, addressing safety requirements, refurbishing church interiors, relocating the SLPS playground, and growing our endowment to ease upkeep demands for future generations. Parishioners are making their Capital Campaign pledges now, which are generally multiples of their Annual Stewardship Pledge, as Capital Campaign pledges are payable over three years.
How do I know if my gift was received?
You will receive a confirmation email for online gifts and a year-end giving statement from Saint Luke’s in January. If you have questions, you may email our Finance Director, Ron Wilson, at [email protected].
When is Saint Luke’s Parish Office closed for the holidays?
The Parish Office will be closed:
- December 24 at noon – December 26
- December 31 at noon – Jan 1
