Support FAQ This is a list of frequently asked questions about how to begin sending contributions for a specific missionary or ministry, and other related items.
Missions-related questions:
Q How does one go about starting to support a missionary or other ministry projects?
A Donors need no special information from the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). One can simply send a check payable to the EFCA with a note to specify for whom and how it is to be applied.
Q When should one start sending contributions?
A As soon as one is able. Support being sent can be applied to a missionary's start-up expenses, travel, salary, payroll taxes, rent, medical aid plan, language study, or ministry expenses. In addition, funds can be sent for vehicles and other ministry projects.
Q Can a personal gift be sent through the EFCA to a missionary?
A Personal gifts of money for Christmas, birthdays, etc. are personal gifts and are not tax deductible. It is preferable that these be sent directly to the missionary (in countries able to receive checks), but when this is not possible they can be sent to the EFCA. The designation must be noted clearly on the return form or in a note with the gift. These will be forwarded directly to the missionary above and beyond salary.
Q How does one find out the support needs of a missionary that he/she supports?
A Often missionary prayer letters give up-to-date information regarding support requirements and ministry projects for the field. Additional information can be received by contacting ReachGlobal at (800) 745-2202 or by downloading the Missionary Support Lacking Report.
Questions regarding check processing:
Q What does "This contribution is made with the understanding that the EFCA has complete control over the use of donated funds" mean?
A 'Complete control' of a gift is necessary to give the EFCA Board of Directors discretion to use the funds as the Lord leads for the EFCA mission of multiplying healthy churches among all people. It also is necessary for the gift to be tax-deductible to the donor per the IRS code, and for the EFCA to record the donation as revenue to the EFCA per generally accepted accounting principles.
Q Does one receive a receipt for his/her donation?
A A receipt will be sent each time a donation is made. Attached to that receipt is a return form and return envelope for convenience in making another donation. Receipts will be sent within a week of receiving the contribution. If a receipt is not received, please feel free to continue sending contributions. Please include a note stating designations and requesting a duplicate of the receipt. Please note that the EFCA does not send bills or pledge reminders.
Q The receipt/return form was not correct. What should be done?
A Mistakes occasionally happen and Donor Services would like to make sure the donation has been handled properly. Please review each receipt/form for accuracy. If there is an error, please indicate it in a letter or on the return form with the next contribution. The item can then be corrected and a new receipt issued.
Q What is the cutoff date for receiving money at the end of the year to use it as a tax deduction on tax returns?
A All checks for donations must be dated and postmarked on or before December 31 in order to receive a receipt which can be used in the current tax year. Checks which are dated or postmarked in January will be dated as received in January.
Q Will a summary statement of Year-to-Date Contributions be sent?
A To keep costs to a minimum, year-end statements are not automatically sent; however, a year-end statement of giving can be sent upon request. Each receipt shows a year-to-date total of giving for the current year.
Please Note: Contributions sent to the EFCA/ReachGlobal become the direct property of the EFCA/ReachGlobal and distribution is at the discretion of the national office.
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