Saratoga Federated Foundation

Who is the Foundation and what do they do?

The Foundation is a committee of church members whose mission is to anticipate major needs for long term funds for such things as pastoral housing, property for expansion of the church campus, facilities construction and renovation, and ministry projects with long term capital funds needs. The Foundation focuses on encouraging capital gifts to Saratoga Federated.
Our 5 year vision at SFC focuses on the Great Commission and includes prayer, outreach and evangelism, baptism, leadership development and stewardship. Delivering on this vision requires many resources; guidance from God, people and money. The Saratoga Federated Foundation has the responsibility to assist in this vision by raising money for projects that are above and beyond the annual budget. Whether for land acquisition and improvements (the new parking lot), facility enhancements (Sanctuary remodel) or Pastoral Housing (limited partnerships/shared equity), the Foundation supports our mission through encouraging and facilitating legacy giving. That's what this section of our web site is about, giving you information and tools on how to easily support major projects that will benefit future generations to come. Thank you for reviewing this section and considering us in your giving plan. For questions or comments, please contact any one of the Foundation board members listed here.

What types of assets are appropriate and how do I donate?

Cash

The easiest way is to write a check payable to Saratoga Federated Church, write "Foundation" in the memo area of the check, and drop it in the collection plate at the next Sunday morning worship service. As an alternative, you can mail it to our Accounting Manager at the address on this page.

Stock

It is possible to donate stock, mutual funds or stock options. Click to learn more.

Real Estate

Real estate is one of the most widely-held assets - a personal residence, mountain cottage, beach home, vacation condo, commercial buildings or land. It's a logical choice for many who wish to make a donation to Saratoga Federated Church. Click to find out more about real estate donations.

Life Insurance

If you wish to benefit the Foundation through life insurance, you can name the Foundation as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or you can transfer ownership of the policy to the Foundation. If the beneficiary designation is revocable, there is no current income tax deduction; if the beneficiary designation is irrevocable, you are entitled to an income tax deduction in an amount which approximates the cash value of the policy. In either case, if the policy death benefit ultimately is paid to the Foundation, the death benefit is not taxed in the estate of the decedent. Click to learn more.

Qualified Retirement Plans (401(k) and 403(b) plans, IRAs, Keoghs, and others)

Qualified Retirement Plans are the principal retirement savings vehicle for most families. Individuals contribute thousands of dollars to their plans each year, often tax-free, making these plans their largest single asset by the time of their retirement. Yet, the death of the participant can result in high taxation of these assets. Unlike almost any asset, the value of retirement plans are typically subject to taxation as ordinary income, in addition to estate tax. For plans left to anyone other than a spouse, these combined taxes can easily approach 70%. Retirement plans make excellent charitable gifting vehicles because estate tax and income tax savings can pay for most of the gift.  Click to learn more.

Can I designate a specific use for my gift?

Broadly, the answer is yes, if the use is one that can help one of the church's many ministries for the kingdom of God. However, the main focus of this section is for Foundation donations, so if you would like to explore specific designations, please contact Jerry Bruce or one of the other Foundation members listed above.

Contact

Accounting Manager

Saratoga Federated Church
14370 Saratoga Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: 408-867-1000 x241
FAX: 408-867-6012

Foundation Email

Direct your questions to the SFC foundation by email at foundation@saratogafederated.org

Board Members

  • Ginny Bowman
  • Bill Cooper, President
  • John Lemons
  • Carl Liljenstolpe
  • Brian Shetler
  • Chuck Totman

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