Welcome,

You're about to embark on a journey to see the beautiful story God is writing through your giving. In this experience, you'll explore your biblical foundation and then apply it to ... read morefour areas of generosity, resulting in a beautiful summary page of your responses (view a sample). I look forward to connecting with you along the way!

– , NCF

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Biblical Foundation

We believe that building your Giving Strategy begins with a biblical foundation. Like any spiritual practice, your giving can help you flourish in the life that God intends for you.

Read 10 principles of biblical generosity

Start this section
“... I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
– John 10:10
Legacy

The story you write today will establish the foundation for the legacy you leave tomorrow. Your generosity journey can empower you to pass on values, not only valuables, and set expectations for heirs.

Start this section
“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share ...”
– 1 Timothy 6:18
Family

Generosity is a beautiful force that can bind loved ones together with greater joy and a sense of passion. When a family has a unified purpose for giving, spiritual capital is naturally transferred to the next generation.

Start this section
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
– Philippians 2:13
Passions

When you give to the causes that bring you joy, challenge your heart, or compel you to invest, you connect with God's story for your generosity and join him in his big dreams for the world.

Start this section
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
– Matthew 6:21
Wealth & Resources

God has given each of us a unique combination of wealth, skills, experience, and spiritual gifts to be used for generosity. As stewards of those resources, we must look for ways to maximize all that we have to give.

Start this section
“Well done, good and faithful servant .... Enter into the joy of your master.”
– Matthew 25:23

One moment while we’re putting together your personal Giving Strategy Summary

Giving Strategy Summary

We hope that this experience has inspired you to give with more purpose as you connect to God’s story for your generosity. Feel free to edit any of your responses below or switch to a view that feels comfortable to you.

Send my summary
We believe God can use generosity to bring about transformation in our family
I believe God can use generosity to bring about transformation in my life
To establish a legacy of generosity, we will prioritize values of:
To establish a legacy of generosity, I will prioritize values of:
And use Scripture to guide our future giving
And use Scripture to guide my future giving
We will prayerfully consider how to use our God-given resources for generosity
I will prayerfully consider how to use my God-given resources for generosity
And join God in his big dreams for the world.
Send my summary
×

Biblical Foundation Exercises

  • Intro
  • Quiet Reflections
  • Perspectives on Giving
  • Guiding Scripture

The first two exercises above, Quiet Reflections and Perspectives on Giving, are designed to help you identify the Scripture that will guide your future giving.

Skip ahead to the last exercise if you already know your guiding Scripture.

Next Take a tour

Quiet Reflections

Read and reflect on these 10 principles of biblical generosity. Which principles do you feel eager and comfortable to pursue? Which are challenging or unfamiliar?

God is absolutely good
(Read Principle)
The care that God took in creation – to give us exactly what we needed and the ability to enjoy it – communicates unimaginable love and generosity. And after we mishandled that first gift, he gave his Son, the greatest gift history has ever witnessed. Beyond love and generosity, that gift also demonstrated God’s justice, mercy, and enduring trustworthiness to provide everything we need for life and godliness. When we trust this to be true, it is counted to us as righteousness.
Genesis 1 / Genesis 2 / John 3:16 / 2 Peter 1:3
God owns everything
(Read Principle)
As Founder and Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, God holds the rights to all of it. That includes even us – our bodies, our minds, and our lives. Even when we had become slaves to sin, he redeemed us, paying with his Son’s life. We are doubly owned.
Psalm 24:1-2 / Romans 12:1 / 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
God created us to bear his image
(Read Principle)
We are God’s children, made in his image and called to increasingly bear his likeness, to reflect his nature for the world to see. When we give to what matters most to God, we bring him glory and become more fully alive to the purposes he has for us.
Genesis 1:26-27 / Romans 8:29 / 2 Corinthians 3:18
Giving brings transformation
(Read Principle)
We are called to be transformed, to allow God to shape our minds to the mind of Christ, to accept his view of the world, and to make our own thoughts obedient to his purposes. Giving is a supernatural, transformative, step-by-step process of learning and agreeing to trust God’s ways over our own and to take hold of the life that is truly life.
Romans 12:2 / 2 Corinthians 10:5 / 1 Timothy 6:18-19
Jesus is enough
(Read Principle)
In Christ, we have salvation and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the fullness of God, and a family – the church. Material possessions can never bring us the security and contentment that can only be found in Jesus, and having too many other things can distract us from finding our contentment in him.
Psalm 23:1 / Matthew 19:16-30 / 1 Timothy 6:6-10
God is our never-ending supply
(Read Principle)
Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that we must not forget why we have life, why we experience success and the ability to produce wealth. God has a never-ending supply of resources, and he is our provider. When we give generously, we’re reminded that the one who enabled us to give is perfectly capable of doing it again.
Malachi 3:10 / 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 / Deuteronomy 8:11-20
Giving is a form of worship
(Read Principle)
When we give generously and sacrificially, it’s not because God needs anything, but because we want to show our love for him. Giving is an expression of obedience, yes, but also of gratitude, trust, and increasing joy. God seeks out and recognizes those who worship him.
1 Chronicles 29:1-20 / Matthew 26:6-13 / Acts 17:25
Motives matter more than money
(Read Principle)
Our giving is a measure of our hearts, which God sees clearly. Jesus said there is more blessing in giving than getting, but we will only know this as truth when we experience the joy of it for ourselves.
1 Samuel 16:7 / Micah 6:6-8 / Acts 20:35
What we do now is of eternal importance
(Read Principle)
Giving is preparation for our role in eternity, shaping us into who he wants us to be. For now, we are stewards of his possessions, and how we manage them either stores treasure in heaven or will be lost or destroyed. When we invest what we have in God’s kingdom and God’s people, we send something ahead that will last forever.
Philippians 3:20 / Matthew 6:19-21 / Matthew 25:14-30
Time is of the essence
(Read Principle)
Though we’re promised eternity, we’re not promised a single day more on this earth or even that what we have today we will still have tomorrow. There is a time for everything, and it’s never too late to start. But the Bible communicates a clear sense of urgency, and we’re called to wisely number our days.
Psalm 90:12 / 1 Timothy 6:17 / James 4:13-15
Back Next

Perspectives on Giving

As you reflect on your previous responses, record some times when you have experienced these biblical principles at work in your life.

What are some barriers in your life that keep you from practicing generosity?

Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Next
Please complete this section to finish.

Guiding Scripture

What are some of your favorite verses or passages of Scripture that inspire you to give? Here are verses to inspire you.

×
×
Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Finish
My Quiet Reflections
My Quiet Reflections Scripture

Here are your responses to the Quiet Reflections exercise

  • Eager or Comfortable
  • Challenging or Unfamiliar
  • Not sure
  • No response
  • God is absolutely good
    The care that God took in creation – to give us exactly what we needed and the ability to enjoy it – communicates unimaginable love and generosity. And after we mishandled that first gift, he gave his Son, the greatest gift history has ever witnessed. Beyond love and generosity, that gift also demonstrated God’s justice, mercy, and enduring trustworthiness to provide everything we need for life and godliness. When we trust this to be true, it is counted to us as righteousness.
    Genesis 1 / Genesis 2 / John 3:16 / 2 Peter 1:3
  • God owns everything
    As Founder and Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, God holds the rights to all of it. That includes even us – our bodies, our minds, and our lives. Even when we had become slaves to sin, he redeemed us, paying with his Son’s life. We are doubly owned.
    Psalm 24:1-2 / Romans 12:1 / 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  • God created us to bear his image
    We are God’s children, made in his image and called to increasingly bear his likeness, to reflect his nature for the world to see. When we give to what matters most to God, we bring him glory and become more fully alive to the purposes he has for us.
    Genesis 1:26-27 / Romans 8:29 / 2 Corinthians 3:18
  • Giving brings transformation
    We are called to be transformed, to allow God to shape our minds to the mind of Christ, to accept his view of the world, and to make our own thoughts obedient to his purposes. Giving is a supernatural, transformative, step-by-step process of learning and agreeing to trust God’s ways over our own and to take hold of the life that is truly life.
    Romans 12:2 / 2 Corinthians 10:5 / 1 Timothy 6:18-19
  • Jesus is enough
    In Christ, we have salvation and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the fullness of God, and a family – the church. Material possessions can never bring us the security and contentment that can only be found in Jesus, and having too many other things can distract us from finding our contentment in him.
    Psalm 23:1 / Matthew 19:16-30 / 1 Timothy 6:6-10
  • God is our never-ending supply
    Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that we must not forget why we have life, why we experience success and the ability to produce wealth. God has a never-ending supply of resources, and he is our provider. When we give generously, we’re reminded that the one who enabled us to give is perfectly capable of doing it again.
    Malachi 3:10 / 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 / Deuteronomy 8:11-20
  • Giving is a form of worship
    When we give generously and sacrificially, it’s not because God needs anything, but because we want to show our love for him. Giving is an expression of obedience, yes, but also of gratitude, trust, and increasing joy. God seeks out and recognizes those who worship him.
    1 Chronicles 29:1-20 / Matthew 26:6-13 / Acts 17:25
  • Motives matter more than money
    Our giving is a measure of our hearts, which God sees clearly. Jesus said there is more blessing in giving than getting, but we will only know this as truth when we experience the joy of it for ourselves.
    1 Samuel 16:7 / Micah 6:6-8 / Acts 20:35
  • What we do now is of eternal importance
    Giving is preparation for our role in eternity, shaping us into who he wants us to be. For now, we are stewards of his possessions, and how we manage them either stores treasure in heaven or will be lost or destroyed. When we invest what we have in God’s kingdom and God’s people, we send something ahead that will last forever.
    Philippians 3:20 / Matthew 6:19-21 / Matthew 25:14-30
  • Time is of the essence
    Though we’re promised eternity, we’re not promised a single day more on this earth or even that what we have today we will still have tomorrow. There is a time for everything, and it’s never too late to start. But the Bible communicates a clear sense of urgency, and we’re called to wisely number our days.
    Psalm 90:12 / 1 Timothy 6:17 / James 4:13-15

Here are some verses to inspire you.

  • All references to Scripture are in ESV unless otherwise noted.
×

Legacy Exercises

  • Intro
  • Quiet Reflections
  • Discover Your Story
  • Values

The first two exercises above, Quiet Reflections and Discover Your Story, are designed to help you establish the values you want to carry on to future generations.

Skip ahead to the last exercise if you already know the values you want to prioritize.

Next Take a tour

Quiet Reflections

Read these aspirational statements. As you think about your legacy of generosity, which statements are areas of strength? Which ones are opportunities for growth?

I know the values I want to pass on to the next generation.
The future generation(s) in my family are generous and engaged in giving.
I want the next generation(s) to carry on our family’s passions and charitable causes.
My estate plan reflects my faith.
I am clear about how much to give my heirs and charities now and in the future.
My heirs are prepared to handle the wealth my estate plan will leave them.
We have regular discussions about what God desires for our wealth.
We have established traditions that celebrate our giving.
I have a mentor or friend who helps me reflect generosity in my life.
Back Next

Discover Your Story

God is writing his story of transformation through you and for the world. The blessings and challenges you have experienced are all a part of the story he's writing.

In the spaces below, write in the high points of your life (events, experiences, or seasons of joy). Then write in the low points (disappointments, trials, or pains that have impacted you). If you need a little guidance, see our tips for discovering your story.

High points

×
Add another

Low pointsprivacy reminder

×
Add another
Reflect on the story of your life

How might God use your story to bring peace into a broken world?

Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Next
Please complete this section to finish.

Values

What are the values you want to prioritize today so the story God is writing through you carries on to future generations?

Highlight the top 8-10 values that are the most important to you.

Please select up to 10 values

  • +
Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Finish
My Quiet Reflections
My Quiet Reflections Tips for discovering your story

Here are your responses to the Quiet Reflections exercise

  • Area of strength
  • Opportunity for growth
  • Not sure
  • No response
  • I know the values I want to pass on to the next generation.
  • The future generation(s) in my family are generous and engaged in giving.
  • I want the next generation(s) to carry on our family’s passions and charitable causes.
  • My estate plan reflects my faith.
  • I am clear about how much to give my heirs and charities now and in the future.
  • My heirs are prepared to handle the wealth my estate plan will leave them.
  • We have regular discussions about what God desires for our wealth.
  • We have established traditions that celebrate our giving.
  • I have a mentor or friend who helps me reflect generosity in my life.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to discover and reflect on your story:

High points

  • What successes have I experienced in my faith, my family life, my marriage, my schooling, my work, my volunteering?
  • What events have brought me great joy?
  • What experiences have ushered in new energy and enthusiasm?
  • When have I made significant contributions to those around me?
  • What memories do I share with others because they taught me something?
  • What trips or adventures were the most meaningful?

Low points

  • What events brought me great pain and suffering?
  • Where am I resentful or bitter?
  • What are deep disappointments or injustices that I have experienced?
  • What parts of my past are hard to share?
  • What issues have caused anxiety for me?
×

Family Exercises

  • Intro
  • Quiet Reflections
  • Family Generosity
  • Giving Intentions

The first two exercises above, Quiet Reflections and Family Generosity, will help you write your Giving Intentions, statements that capture how you hope God will use giving to transform your family.

Skip ahead to the last exercise if you already know your giving intentions.

Next Take a tour

Quiet Reflections

Read these aspirational statements. As you think about your family's generosity, which statements are areas of strength? Which ones are opportunities for growth?

My family is unified and engaged in giving decisions.
Our giving has strengthened the relationships within our family.
Generosity strengthens my children’s and grandchildren’s relationship with God.
I have conversations with my spouse about giving.
I have conversations with my children and grandchildren about giving.
My children and grandchildren are independently generous.
Our family is unified on how God wants us to share our wealth.
Our family has a defined mission and purpose that guides our giving.
My family knows where we give and why.
Back Next

Family Generosity

Reflect on your family's story of generosity and your previous responses.

What are some good things to celebrate?

What is contributing to any challenges your family is experiencing?privacy reminder

Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Next
Please complete this section to finish.

Giving Intentions

Pray about how God could use your generosity to bring about transformation in you and your family. Write a few statements that capture your aspirations. Here are a few examples to help you get started.

Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Finish
My Quiet Reflections
My Quiet Reflections Examples of Giving Intentions

Here are your responses to the Quiet Reflections exercise

  • Area of strength
  • Opportunity for growth
  • Not sure
  • No response
  • My family is unified and engaged in giving decisions.
  • Our giving has strengthened the relationships within our family.
  • Generosity strengthens my children’s and grandchildren’s relationship with God.
  • I have conversations with my spouse about giving.
  • I have conversations with my children and grandchildren about giving.
  • My children and grandchildren are independently generous.
  • Our family is unified on how God wants us to share our wealth.
  • Our family has a defined mission and purpose that guides our giving.
  • My family knows where we give and why.

Here are a few examples of Giving Intentions:

  • We will encourage our children to purposefully and spontaneously give out of the resources they have available.
  • Each Lent, we will reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus to bring restoration to our broken world. Then, we will make gifts that reflect each family member’s unique passions for bringing healing to an area of brokenness in the world.
  • Each Christmas, we will seek to make a special gift of gratitude as a family.
  • As the Holy Spirit leads, we will cultivate spontaneous extravagance towards others.
  • Our family will step into more generosity so that God can help dispel our fear and illusion of control.
  • We will raise our kids with a spirit of abundance, not of scarcity.
  • We will use our giving to exhibit Jesus' extravagant love to our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even those that are hard to love.
  • Generosity will help us cultivate more unity in our home, our neighborhood, our church, and our city.
  • Our company will give from our first fruits every year. We will use those gifts and resources to inspire change in the industry, help our people be generous at home, and connect those we serve to a greater purpose.
×

Passions Exercises

  • Intro
  • Quiet Reflections
  • Causes
  • Big Dreams

The first two exercises above, Quiet Reflections and Causes, will help you discover where God is calling you to give and clarify your big dreams for each cause.

Skip ahead to the last exercise if you already know the causes you want to support.

Next Take a tour

Quiet Reflections

Read these aspirational statements. As you think about where you give, which statements are areas of strength? Which ones are opportunities for growth?

My giving is aligned with my passions.
I have found the right charities and ministries to support.
When I am asked to give, I know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”
I am actively joining God in his plans for the world.
My giving is aligned with what God is passionate about.
I give my time and talent to causes I care about.
My heart is very connected to the causes I support.
I can see how my personal journey has equipped me to respond to needs in the world.
My giving pushes me outside my comfort zone.
Back Next

Causes

This exercise will help you identify the causes you care about most. We will guide you through four different prompts to help you reflect on all the causes you have supported and identify ones you might want to support in the future. You’ll see a summary of all your selections at the end. If you need help along the way, here are definitions for each cause and other tips.

Supported financially

First, highlight causes that you have supported financially.

  • +
Supported with time, skills, or influence

Next, highlight causes you have supported with time, skills, or influence.

Called to start supporting

Next, highlight causes that God might be calling you to start supporting.

Most passionate about

Last, highlight the causes you feel most passionate about.

Your causes

What does this tell you about where you want to allocate your resources in the future?

  • financial
  • time, skills, influence
  • start supporting
  • most passionate
Need help? Get inspiration here
Back Next
Please complete this section to finish.

Big Dreams

Giving is an opportunity to join God in his big dreams for the world. In this final exercise, you will craft a statement that describes your dream for each cause you want to support. Then you will identify charities that have a mission aligned with your dream statement for each cause. If you need help, here are a few examples of big dreams and tips to identify charities.

For each cause you want to support:

  1. Choose one of your causes
  2. Write a statement that describes your dream for that cause
  3. Record charities you would like to support (separated by commas)
Cause
Dream
Charities
×
Select one of your causes

Edit your selected causes by going back to the other steps in this exercise.

    ×
    Add row Add another
    Need help? Get inspiration here
    Back Finish
    My Quiet Reflections
    My Quiet Reflections Cause Definitions Examples of Big Dreams Tips for Causes & Charities

    Here are your responses to the Quiet Reflections exercise

    • Area of strength
    • Opportunity for growth
    • Not sure
    • No response
    • My giving is aligned with my passions.
    • I have found the right charities and ministries to support.
    • When I am asked to give, I know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.”
    • I am actively joining God in his plans for the world.
    • My giving is aligned with what God is passionate about.
    • I give my time and talent to causes I care about.
    • My heart is very connected to the causes I support.
    • I can see how my personal journey has equipped me to respond to needs in the world.
    • My giving pushes me outside my comfort zone.

    Here are a few examples of Big Dreams:

    • To empty our county’s foster care system and see every child adopted or cared for in a loving home.
    • We believe families are one of the primary ways that we display the Kingdom of God, and the best place to cultivate a sense of belonging and wholeness.
    • To share the joy, belonging, and wholeness that we have found in God’s Kingdom with our neighbors, church family, and friends.
    • Encouraging and equipping people with Truth to understand their unique role in the advancement of the Kingdom.
    • To reach and restore the poor and vulnerable, locally and internationally, because we believe God is uniquely concerned for them, and that our love for the Lord is shown through our compassion.
    • To see every person reached and restored through the love of Christ.
    • That education would no longer be a barrier to God's children realizing their full potential.
    • To see prisoners know that they are loved by God and experience full redemption.

    Here are definitions for each of the causes listed above:

      Here are a few tips to help you identify ...

      • Causes you have supported
      • Ask your NCF team to review your Strategic Fund Review with you. Use the charities list to identify the causes you have supported in the past
      • Sign into your Giving Fund on ncfgiving.com. Go to the Activities tab to find your annual statements of grants
      • Consider these questions:
        • Where have you volunteered your time?
        • What boards do you sit on?
        • What advice or counsel have you provided to non-profit leaders?
        • For which causes have you leveraged your influence or advocacy?
        • For which causes have you leveraged your vocational skills?
      • Causes you're passionate about
      • Consider these questions:
        • What issue has God brought to mind during prayer?
        • What dream (or dreams) would bring you indescribable joy if they came true?
        • What keeps you up a night?
        • What has God burdened your heart for?
        • What's the thing you can't not do?
        • What is the most heartbreaking thing you saw or learned about today? Last week? Last year?
        • What cause have you loved as long as you can remember? Why?
        • What subjects do you read about the most?
        • What change in the world have you secretly dreamed of?
        • What’s your favorite country? State? Region? What are the most pressing issues there?
        • Do you feel passionate about a specific people group?
      • Charities to support in the future
      • Pray for clarity and discernment about each cause that you want to support
      • Determine if you want to give locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally.
      • Create a list of potential charities that fit your geographic goal. It’s ok if the list is long:
        • Ask friends or advocates that share your passion
        • Sign into your Giving Fund and search by cause or keyword for a list of charity profiles
        • Do a simple search online using keywords
      • Research each charity to decide if their mission, focus areas, and efforts aligns with your big dream:
        • Review their website and annual reports
        • How are they "moving the needle" on the cause(s) you are passionate about?
        • Would it bring you joy and energy if you could help them move the needle?
      ×

      Wealth & Resources Exercises

      • Intro
      • Quiet Reflections
      • Inventory of Abundance
      • Unlocking Opportunities

      The first two exercises above, Quiet Reflections and Inventory of Abundance, will help you identify all the resources you want to give.

      The last exercise, Unlocking Opportunities, will unveil practical opportunities to increase your giving capacity.

      Next Take a tour

      Quiet Reflections

      Read these aspirational statements. As you think about the wealth and resources you have to give, which statements are areas of strength? Which ones are opportunities for growth?

      I have a wise and intentional plan to honor God with my resources.
      I know all the resources I have to give.
      I am clear about how much it costs to fund my desired lifestyle and how much to give away.
      My giving is strategic and proactive.
      I use charitable strategies to minimize taxes and maximize giving.
      I give from all categories of my net worth such as cash, stock, private equity, and real estate.
      I use my business to fund my generosity.
      I prioritize my giving in budget planning.
      I give my time and influence to causes I care about.
      Back Next

      Inventory of Abundance

      God has created you with a unique set of resources to share with the world. In this exercise, you will record your personal inventory of abundance, and then choose the ones you want to consider giving in the future. If you need help, here are a few examples of resources other givers have identified.privacy reminder

      First, list all the resources God has given you.

      Everything I am
      My testimony, talents, and physical, mental, and spiritual gifts
      +
      Add another
      Everything I do
      My work, volunteering, and hobbies
      +
      Add another
      Everything I have
      My wealth, time, influence, and knowledge
      +
      Add another

      Now, highlight the resources you want to give as part of your giving strategy.

      • Everything I am
      • Everything I do
      • Everything I have
      Need help? Get inspiration here
      Back Next
      Please complete this section to finish.

      Unlocking Opportunities

      Gifts of non-cash assets like the ones below have greater potential tax advantages that can help increase your giving capacity. Look at the list and select any non-cash assets you may be interested in giving.privacy reminder

        If you’d like to explore your options for non-cash giving, we would love to help. Feel free to contact our team anytime.

        Need help? Get inspiration here
        Back Finish
        My Quiet Reflections
        My Quiet Reflections Examples of Resources Non-cash Asset Definitions

        Here are your responses to the Quiet Reflections exercise

        • Area of strength
        • Opportunity for growth
        • Not sure
        • No response
        • I have a wise and intentional plan to honor God with my resources.
        • I know all the resources I have to give.
        • I am clear about how much it costs to fund my desired lifestyle and how much to give away.
        • My giving is strategic and proactive.
        • I use charitable strategies to minimize taxes and maximize giving.
        • I give from all categories of my net worth such as cash, stock, private equity, and real estate.
        • I use my business to fund my generosity.
        • I prioritize my giving in budget planning.
        • I give my time and influence to causes I care about.

        Here are a few examples to help you identify ...

        • Everything I am
        • Everything I do
        • Everything I have
        • Publicly traded securitiesCommon stock that is traded or equivalent common equity listed on a U.S. national securities exchange or that will be so traded when issued or exchanged in connection with the relevant transaction or event.www.investopedia.com
        • Restricted securitiesSecurities acquired in unregistered, private sales from the issuing company or from an affiliate of the issuer.www.sec.gov
        • Business interestsOwnership in closely-held businesses, LPs, LLCs, or S-Corp.
        • Private equityAn alternative investment class composed of funds and investors that directly invest in private companies, or that engage in buyouts of public companies, resulting in the delisting of public equity.www.investopedia.com
        • Hedge fund investmentAlternative investments using pooled funds that employ different strategies to earn active returns, or alpha, for their investors.www.investopedia.com
        • Real estateThe owning of property such as commercial investments, vacation homes, rental property, and farmland.
        • Mineral rightsThe ownership rights to underground resources such as fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, etc.), metals and ores, and mineable rocks such as limestone and salt.www.investopedia.com
        • Intellectual propertyIntangible assets owned and legally protected by a company from outside use or implementation without consent.www.investopedia.com
        • 401(k)A tax-advantaged, defined-contribution retirement account offered by many employers to their employees. It is named after a section of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.www.investopedia.com
        • Individual Retirement Account (IRA)An individual retirement account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged account that individuals use to save and invest for retirement.www.investopedia.com
        • Qualified charitable distributionsGenerally, a qualified charitable distribution is an otherwise taxable distribution from an IRA owned by an individual who is age 70½ or over that is paid directly from the IRA to a qualified charity.www.irs.gov
        • Life insuranceA contract between an insurer and a policyholder. A life insurance policy guarantees the insurer pays a sum of money to named beneficiaries when the insured policyholder dies, in exchange for the premiums paid by the policyholder during their lifetime.www.investopedia.com
        • Promissory notesA financial instrument that contains a written promise by one party (the note's issuer or maker) to pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.www.investopedia.com
        Congratulations on completing this section
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        1. God is absolutely good
        The care that God took in creation – to give us exactly what we needed and the ability to enjoy it – communicates unimaginable love and generosity. And after we mishandled that first gift, he gave his Son, the greatest gift history has ever witnessed. Beyond love and generosity, that gift also demonstrated God’s justice, mercy, and enduring trustworthiness to provide everything we need for life and godliness. When we trust this to be true, it is counted to us as righteousness.
        Genesis 1 / Genesis 2 / John 3:16 / 2 Peter 1:3
        2. God owns everything
        As Founder and Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, God holds the rights to all of it. That includes even us – our bodies, our minds, and our lives. Even when we had become slaves to sin, he redeemed us, paying with his Son’s life. We are doubly owned.
        Psalm 24:1-2 / Romans 12:1 / 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
        3. God created us to bear his image
        We are God’s children, made in his image and called to increasingly bear his likeness, to reflect his nature for the world to see. When we give to what matters most to God, we bring him glory and become more fully alive to the purposes he has for us.
        Genesis 1:26-27 / Romans 8:29 / 2 Corinthians 3:18
        4. Giving brings transformation
        We are called to be transformed, to allow God to shape our minds to the mind of Christ, to accept his view of the world, and to make our own thoughts obedient to his purposes. Giving is a supernatural, transformative, step-by-step process of learning and agreeing to trust God’s ways over our own and to take hold of the life that is truly life.
        Romans 12:2 / 2 Corinthians 10:5 / 1 Timothy 6:18-19
        5. Jesus is enough
        In Christ, we have salvation and all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, the fullness of God, and a family – the church. Material possessions can never bring us the security and contentment that can only be found in Jesus, and having too many other things can distract us from finding our contentment in him.
        Psalm 23:1 / Matthew 19:16-30 / 1 Timothy 6:6-10
        6. God is our never-ending supply
        Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that we must not forget why we have life, why we experience success and the ability to produce wealth. God has a never-ending supply of resources, and he is our provider. When we give generously, we’re reminded that the one who enabled us to give is perfectly capable of doing it again.
        Malachi 3:10 / 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 / Deuteronomy 8:11-20
        7. Giving is a form of worship
        When we give generously and sacrificially, it’s not because God needs anything, but because we want to show our love for him. Giving is an expression of obedience, yes, but also of gratitude, trust, and increasing joy. God seeks out and recognizes those who worship him.
        1 Chronicles 29:1-20 / Matthew 26:6-13 / Acts 17:25
        8. Motives matter more than money
        Our giving is a measure of our hearts, which God sees clearly. Jesus said there is more blessing in giving than getting, but we will only know this as truth when we experience the joy of it for ourselves.
        1 Samuel 16:7 / Micah 6:6-8 / Acts 20:35
        9. What we do now is of eternal importance
        Giving is preparation for our role in eternity, shaping us into who he wants us to be. For now, we are stewards of his possessions, and how we manage them either stores treasure in heaven or will be lost or destroyed. When we invest what we have in God’s kingdom and God’s people, we send something ahead that will last forever.
        Philippians 3:20 / Matthew 6:19-21 / Matthew 25:14-30
        10. Time is of the essence
        Though we’re promised eternity, we’re not promised a single day more on this earth or even that what we have today we will still have tomorrow. There is a time for everything, and it’s never too late to start. But the Bible communicates a clear sense of urgency, and we’re called to wisely number our days.
        Psalm 90:12 / 1 Timothy 6:17 / James 4:13-15
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