St. Matthew Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), is dedicated to faithfully proclaiming Christ crucified and risen through a strong commitment to catechesis, liturgical worship, and authentic community.
At the heart of the church’s mission is Word and Sacrament. With an emphasis on catechesis and liturgical worship, we value authentic community, not only within the congregation but extending outward in Christian love and service.
Members are encouraged to support and care for one another, embodying the love of Christ and providing a welcoming place for all who seek the truth of the Gospel. Whether through fellowship, outreach, or acts of mercy, the congregation seeks to be a living witness of Christ’s love in the community.
If you care to support St. Matthew Lutheran Church, please make your check out to
St. Matthew Lutheran Church and return it to PO Box 28, Almena, WI 54805
Want to give electronically? Click HERE.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
If you are 70½ years of age or older, you can make a gift from your Individual Retirement
Account (IRA) to St. Matthew Lutheran Church without paying income taxes
on the distribution. This tax-smart giving option—known as a Qualified Charitable
Distribution (QCD)—is a powerful way for IRA owners to support 501(c)(3) organizations like
CCLS.
Why Consider a QCD to St. Matthew?
- Your gift counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you’re age 73
or older.
– You avoid paying income taxes on the distribution.
– You experience the joy of seeing your gift immediately benefit students, teachers, and
programs at CCLS.
How It Works
– You must be 70½ years or older at the time of your gift.
– The QCD must be sent directly from your IRA administrator to CCLS.
– Funds distributed to you personally and then donated do not qualify.
– QCDs from 401(k), 403(b), SEP, or other plans are not eligible.
– QCDs do not increase your taxable income, but they also do not qualify for a
charitable deduction.
– Therefore, your gift will not appear on your annual tax receipt from St. Matthew.
New Opportunity: QCDs for Life Income Gifts
Recent legislation allows one-time QCD transfers to fund Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs).
This option comes with additional rules and a maximum transfer limit. Please consult your
financial advisor, tax consultant, or IRA administrator for guidance.
For assistance with planning a gift that will benefit St. Matthew Lutheran Church now
or in the future, please contact us at: PastorIkeNicholson@gmail.com
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
What is a Donor Advised Fund?
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to receive an tax
deduction while enabling your contributions to grow tax-free for future giving. These funds are
created solely to support charitable organizations. Once you’ve established and funded a DAF
through a financial institution of your choice, you can recommend grants to St. Matthew Lutheran Church at any time.
While St. Matthew does not administer donor-advised funds, we are a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit
and are fully eligible to receive gifts from your DAF. Commonly accepted assets include cash,
stocks, mutual fund shares, and other non-cash assets. You receive a tax deduction at the time
of your contribution, and your gift can make a lasting impact on the mission of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
How Does a Donor Advised Fund Work?
1. Establish a DAF with a sponsoring organization such as Fidelity Charitable,
Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or a community foundation.
2. Make an irrevocable, tax-deductible contribution of cash, stock, or other
assets.
3. The sponsoring organization manages the fund, allowing it to grow tax-free.
4. You retain advisory privileges to recommend grants to qualified charities like
CCLS.
5. Once approved, your gift is distributed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Why Consider a DAF?
– Simplify your giving and consolidate charitable contributions.
– Create a legacy by naming your DAF sponsor in your will or as a retirement plan
beneficiary.
– Strategically support St. Matthew Lutheran Church over time, with flexibility in timing and amount.
– Pass on generosity by naming heirs or favorite charities as successors to your
DAF.
Let Us Thank You
If you choose to recommend a grant to St. Matthew Lutheran Church through your DAF, please include your name and contact information so we can properly acknowledge your generosity and apply your gift as intended.
For assistance with planning a gift that will benefit St. Matthew Lutheran Church now or in the future, please contact us at: PastorIkeNicholson@gmail.com
Disclaimer: St. Matthew Lutheran Church does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice.This information is for educational purposes only. Please consult your financial advisor beforemaking any charitable giving decisions.
Thank you for considering these impactful ways to support the mission of St. Matthew Lutheran Church!