Inspiring the next generation of leaders is essential to making a positive change in the world. This year’s Special Contribution funds will support our scholar and intern training programs as well as the leadership of the college, teen, and singles ministries.
Help us change the world
Our annual Special Contribution fundraiser takes place on August 29th. Your contributions help keep our church relevant and inspiring for the next generation.
Check Out Our 3 Part Video Series For Our Special Contribution
Part One: It’s Time
In the last year and a half, a global pandemic has forced change on the world. As a church, we are trying to embrace the change and innovate, by investing in a building in the East Bay.
Part Two: What’s Next
Investing in the future is about more than giving money, it’s about believing in, having vision for, and building up the lives of generation after generation of spiritual leaders.
Part Three: By Faith
By faith, we have invested in the future for over 20 years, building from the ground up programs like E-Life, the Doing Good Fund, and the Intern and Scholar Program.
Till we reach our Common Ground
We are very excited about the remodeling and opening of our new youth inclusion center called Common Ground. It is our hope that this becomes a beacon of light for the community and a place where every teenager and college student can feel at home.
Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
– John 4:35
The Doing Good Fund
Our aspiration is to teach the heart of compassion to the world. We are working towards this goal through our flagship community service programs that practice inclusion and bring hope to families with special needs everywhere.
Digital influence
The importance of having a strong online presence cannot be emphasized enough. By allocating more resources to our digital efforts, we have an opportunity to make God known and provide resources to people in the Bay Area and beyond.
More than one way to give
Choose a way to give to Special Contribution
Frequently asked questions
What you need to know
What is the Special Contribution (“SC”)?
The SC is a collection of funds taken up to support the ongoing mission of the church. The proceeds from the 2020 Special Contribution will be divided as follows: (1) one time weekly contribution for operational expenses; (2) one-time weekly contribution for our Doing Good Fund (HTS, benevolence, community projects, E-Sports); (3) five times weekly contribution for leadership training on all levels, renovating a youth and inclusion center, funding special events, and expanding our digital influence.
While personally raising funds, are members allowed to use the church’s name or logo, or represent that the church is sponsoring the event? If not, why?
Only with approval of the board of directors. Using the Church’s name or logo at a fundraiser may give the impression that the church will take responsibility for any harm or injury resulting from an event.
How easy is it to mistakenly or inadvertently represent a personal fundraiser as church-sponsored?
It’s quite easy to inadvertently put the church at risk for liability based on things we say or do. For example: (1) using the church name or logo to obtain a “non profit discount”; (2) using the name or logo on the internet, in a letter, on printed material, or other media format (such as radio, television, video, etc.), through which money or donations are requested; or (3) representing that the church’s insurance is available to cover potential liabilities.
What does the church require to approve sponsoring a fundraising event?
Approval by the Board of Directors (B of D). Present a written request to your Sector Leader with details of the event and they will present your request to administration and the B of D’s. Be sure to submit requests as far in advance as possible to allow timely review and room for questions or adjustments.
If the church board does not approve most fundraisers initiated by members, and members can’t represent church sponsorship of an event, then what can members do to raise money?
Members have many options. (See handout on Fundraising Ideas)
Are certain types of fundraisers more likely than others to be approved by the church board?
Yes. Although there are no guarantees, fundraising events that present less risk to the church are more likely to be approved.
For members who plan their own fundraisers, should certain events be avoided because they are illegal or otherwise inappropriate?
Yes. Some popular fundraisers are actually illegal or inappropriate. Lotteries, raffles and casino nights are illegal in many states because they are games of chance. Also, some local city or county agencies do not allow soliciting money door-to-door without approval. Other activities that are legal but create risk include car washes (risk of damage to vehicles), homemade food sales (possible food poisoning if food is not properly stored and prepared), and talent or variety shows (injury to performers, etc). Get lots of advice and help and you should be fine.
If a member organizes his/her own fundraiser without involving the church, may he/she accept checks written out to the church? Is the money considered a tax deductible donation?
Make checks payable to individual members for all sale items (such as a garage sale). Payments for goods or services are not charitable donations or tax-deductible. However, monetary donations to the church are tax-deductible, so long as nothing of value, such as goods or services, are given in exchange for the money. If a buyer or anyone wishes to make a donation to the church (whether or not he or she is buying goods or services), the member may certainly write a check to the church.
- A canceled check is a sufficient receipt under $250.00
- Receipts are required for donations over $250.00 and must be issued from the Church Administrative Office
If members organize a fundraiser that is not sponsored by the church (for example, a garage or rummage sale), may they use church owned or leased property?
No. Church-owned or leased property shouldn’t be used for events that the church hasn’t closely reviewed and approved.