Donations: Gifts, Tithes, & Offerings
Are my donations to Palominas Chapel tax-deductible?
Yes. Thank you for your heart to give! We are incorporated as a tax-exempt church under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Are donations refundable?
All contributions are voluntary and irrevocable gifts to support God's work through our congregation. Once given, funds become the property of Palominas Chapel to be managed by leadership for biblical purposes. We generally can't provide refunds for deposited donations. If you discover a mistake before we deposit your check, just let us know right away and we'll return or void it for you!
Can I designate my donation for a specific purpose like missions or a building project?
We love when people have specific vision for Kingdom work. However, please talk with Pastor Nathan first if you're considering a significant designated gift—this helps ensure your vision aligns with current ministry plans.
When you designate funds, we'll make reasonable efforts to honor those designations when it's feasible, wise, and consistent with our religious mission. Leadership welcomes discussion about designated giving and will communicate regarding our ability to fulfill your designation.
Here's what's important: All designated donations remain as unrestricted assets under leadership's discretion. If fulfilling a designation becomes impractical, unwise, or contrary to the church's religious interests, those funds will be directed in accordance with our best religious interests. Designated funds don't create legal control, and you can't demand specific allocation, accounting, or refund.
If you gave toward something specific, you can ask Pastor Nathan about it. Leadership may discuss with individual donors how designated gifts were used or redirected to serve our religious mission. These conversations are informational only and don't create legal obligations, donor control, ongoing entitlement to detailed reporting, or the right to demand specific accounting. Leadership welcomes dialogue while retaining full discretion over financial decisions.
Can I see financial reports or know how my donation was used?
We value financial transparency with our members and donors! Members in good standing may request a general financial overview from leadership, and we're committed to demonstrating faithful stewardship and appropriate transparency.
However, such overviews are informational only and don't include itemized accounting of how specific individual donations were allocated or spent. The provision of financial information is a courtesy we extend to maintain trust and transparency, not a legal entitlement. Individual donors may not demand itemized reports or exercise control over the use of their contributions. Final decisions regarding allocation and use of all funds rest with leadership.
Will I receive a giving statement for tax purposes?
If you give through recordable means (check, money order, or electronic transfer), you'll receive an annual personal giving report for your tax records. Cash donations cannot be tracked individually, so we cannot provide giving reports for cash contributions unless they are in a properly filled tithe envelope. This annual report is the extent of individual donor reporting we provide.
What if I donate property?
We're grateful when people want to support God's work through physical property! When you donate equipment, furniture, instruments, vehicles, or supplies, it becomes the permanent property of the church upon receipt. You relinquish all ownership and claims when you give it. Donated property cannot be reclaimed or returned regardless of your future relationship with the church. Leadership will use, sell, or repurpose donated property at their sole discretion as God directs for ministry purposes.
What is the required tithe for membership?
Members must practice "recordable" biblical giving through tithe of increase plus offerings, given voluntarily as spiritual stewardship, not as membership dues. Pastoral leadership assesses biblical stewardship based on heart attitude, circumstances, and spiritual fruit in accordance with Scripture— recognizing that individual situations vary. Pastoral counsel is available for those whose situation requires discussion. Those who donate through check or electronic transfer will have access to a record of giving. (Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:8-10, 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Matthew 23:23). Who makes decisions about church finances? Our directors provides financial accountability and oversight. Leadership is entrusted with the responsibility and authority for financial decisions, and we manage God's resources prayerfully and carefully for biblical purposes.
Why can't donors control how their money is used?
Great question! When you give to Palominas Chapel, you're trusting leadership to manage those resources under God's direction. All funds become the property of the Chapel to be used at leadership's discretion for biblical purposes. IRS rules for tax-exempt churches require that leadership, not donors, control how funds are used. This also allows us to respond wisely to changing circumstances—like when a planned project becomes impractical or a more urgent need arises. We take this responsibility seriously and seek God's wisdom in every financial decision.
What if I don't like how a financial decision was made?
If you have concerns, you're always welcome to speak privately with Pastor Nathan. We value input and want to maintain trust with our members. However, final financial decisions rest with leadership under pastoral authority. Our commitment is to handle every dollar faithfully for God's kingdom work with appropriate transparency.
I have more questions. Who should I contact?
Contact Pastor Nathan Harding. We want you to feel confident that your giving supports real ministry and is handled with integrity