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Giving FAQ

 

  1. Do donations to Bridges Community Church qualify as tax-deductible charitable gifts by the IRS?
  2. May I restrict my donation to a specific program or project?
  3. How are excess funds handled when restricted donations exceed the requirements of a trip, project, or program?
  4. What about donations for Shot Term Mission Trips?
  5. When do Donors receive Contributions statements?
  6. How do I resolve giving history questions?
  7. What is the fiscal year of Bridges Community Church?
  8. When is the budget for Bridges Community Church approved?

 

Do donations to Bridges Community Church qualify as tax-deductible charitable gifts by the IRS?

Bridges Community Church is a qualified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit tax-exempt organization.  All donations made to Bridges Community Church are tax deductible as long as they the donor does not receive ‘goods or services connected with the donation’.  Bridges Community Church has complete control and discretion over all donations made to them. Our Tax ID# is 94-2235834.

 

May I restrict my donation to a specific program or project?

All undesignated gifts by donors are directed to the General Operating Fund.  Gifts given to restricted areas must 1st be approved by the Elder Team of Bridges Community Church.  Below is a list of approved ‘on-going’ restricted funds.  Throughout the year other approved projects may become available as the elder team deems appropriate.

 

  • Benevolence Fund
    Financial assistance of those in need

 

  • Food Pantry Fund
    To provide for the temporary assistance of individuals without adequate resources for food.

 

  • Scholarship Fund [By ministry categories: Children’s, Student’s, Men’s & Women’s]
    To make participation in events more affordable and accessible to all

 

  • Short Term Missions [All trips of various ages and purposes]
    To fund individuals and teams participating in mission trips and projects.

 

  • Charitable Projects [Various Sub-funds]
    To provide children and student ministries opportunity to provide compassion and ministry support to staff directed areas of concern.

 

  • Crisis Relief [Identified by Elders]
    To provide assistance to regions and people impacted by natural and man made disasters

 

How are excess funds handled when restricted donations exceed the requirements of a trip, project, or program?

It is our goal to raise only the funding necessary to accomplish the goal for any specified event, project, trip, or program. However, once a restricted fund’s purpose is completed, the fund is closed an all additional gifts are under the complete control of Bridges Community Church to be used to accomplish the overall mission of the church.  All gifts given to Bridges Community Church are received with the understanding that the church possesses complete discretionary control over all funds received. 

 

What about donations for Shot Term Mission Trips?

All donations for short-term missions are directed to the fund created for the specific trip, not an individual participant, even when an individual is designated on the check.  Bridges Community Church has complete administrative and accounting control over the donations and utilizes them to pay for the costs of the trip.  No money is provided to an individual missionary except to pay for the direct mission trip expenses for food, housing, and transportation while in the country of destination.

 

When do Donors receive Contributions statements?

We mail out contribution statements to donors by January 31st.

 

How do I resolve giving history questions?

Please contact Laurie Walter at or 510-651-2030 x101.

 

What is the fiscal year of Bridges Community Church?

The fiscal year for Bridges Community Church begins September 1 and ends August 31st.

 

When is the budget for Bridges Community Church approved?

Bridges Community Church members approve an annual budget at the August Congregational meeting.