Charitable Giving and Donor Information

Charitable gifts are deductible if given to and for the use of a qualified tax-exempt organization, to be used under its complete control and discretion to accomplish its exempt purposes. The Wesleyan Church Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

The Wesleyan Church Corporation retains ultimate authority and oversight over all donated funds. All gifts are accepted and administered in accordance with the Church’s mission, governing documents, and established gift acceptance and reassignment policies.

Donor and/or donation information may be shared internally with the ministry recipient or project manager for purposes related to stewardship and accountability. Donor information is not shared outside of The Wesleyan Church Corporation, except as required by law.

Donor Bill of Rights

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is fundamental to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy continues to merit the confidence and trust of donors and the general public, The Wesleyan Church affirms that donors have the following rights:

• To be informed of the Church’s mission, how the Church intends to use donated resources, and its capacity to use those resources effectively.
• To be informed of the identity of those serving in leadership and governance, and to expect prudent judgment and responsible stewardship, upon request.
• To have access to the Church’s most recent financial statements, upon request.
• To be assured their gifts will be used for their intended purpose, consistent with the Church’s disclosed gift acceptance, designation, and reassignment policies.
• To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition for their gifts.
• To be assured that information about their gifts is handled with respect and confidentiality, to the extent permitted by law.
• To expect professional conduct from all individuals representing The Wesleyan Church.
• To be informed whether those soliciting donations are volunteers, employees, or hired solicitors.
• To have the opportunity to have their name removed from mailing lists the Church may choose to share.
• To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.

Gift Acceptance, Designation, and Reassignment

The Wesleyan Church Corporation seeks to honor donor intent when gifts are given for a specific ministry, project, or purpose. Gifts designated or expressed as preferences for specific uses are reviewed to determine whether the stated purpose can be achieved.

If a designated or preference-based gift is accepted, the Church will make reasonable efforts to use the funds for the stated purpose. However, all gifts are accepted with the understanding that The Wesleyan Church Corporation retains final authority and discretion over the use and administration of all donated funds.

In the event that a designated or preference-based project is fully funded, delayed, significantly changed, or canceled, any remaining funds will be reassigned to a ministry need that most closely aligns with the original intent of the gift, as determined by The Wesleyan Church Corporation.

The Church seeks to communicate this policy clearly in donor materials and to steward donations in a manner that reflects both donor generosity and the Church’s responsibility for faithful, lawful, and effective use of charitable resources.