Your investments can do more than grow your portfolio. They can also create meaningful opportunities to bless others and support the work of God's Kingdom.
As the end of the year approaches, many Christians begin thinking about charitable giving. But generosity doesn't have to come exclusively from a checking or savings account. Your investment portfolio may offer additional ways to give, sometimes with valuable tax advantages.
Brian Mumbert, President and CEO of Timothy Plan, a pioneer in the world of faith-based investing, joined the show today to discuss how Christians can incorporate generosity into their investment strategies.
Generosity Begins With Stewardship
Before considering the financial benefits of charitable giving, it's important to remember why we give in the first place.
Scripture teaches that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. Our responsibility is to manage His resources faithfully, recognizing that what He's entrusted to us can be used to serve others.
1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
That perspective transforms how we approach investing. Rather than viewing investments solely as a means of accumulating wealth, we can recognize them as another opportunity to practice faithful stewardship.
For Timothy Plan, this conviction has shaped the company's mission since its founding in 1994. Beyond helping investors align their portfolios with biblical values, the firm has supported ministries ranging from pregnancy resource centers to Christian media and initiatives that equip entrepreneurs.
Mumbert recalled a favorite saying of Timothy Plan founder Art Ally, who often quoted Christian businessman R. G. LeTourneau:
"I shovel out the money, and God shovels it back, but God has a bigger shovel."
While generosity doesn't guarantee financial prosperity, LeTourneau's words reflect a life shaped by the conviction that what God provides is meant to be used for purposes greater than ourselves.
Two Ways to Give From Your Investments
For Christians interested in incorporating generosity into their investment strategy, Mumbert highlighted two practical approaches worth considering.
1. Donate Appreciated Investments Directly
If you own stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have increased in value, you may be able to donate those assets directly to a qualified charitable organization.
This approach can offer an advantage over selling the investments and donating the proceeds. When you sell an appreciated investment, you may owe capital gains taxes on the profit. However, donating the investment directly to an eligible charity can generally allow you to avoid recognizing those capital gains.
Depending on how long you've held the investment and your individual tax situation, you may also qualify for a charitable deduction.
The result? More of your investment's value may go directly toward supporting the ministry or cause you care about.
2. Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution From Your IRA
For individuals age 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) offers another opportunity to give.
A QCD allows you to transfer funds directly from an eligible IRA to a qualifying charitable organization. When the requirements are met, the distribution is excluded from taxable income. Additionally, if you're required to take minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA, a QCD can count toward satisfying that obligation.
This can be particularly helpful for retirees who want to support charitable causes while managing the tax implications of their retirement income.
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