May Newsletter, 2026 ✦

Charitable Giving- 2026 Tax Code Changes

We are now living into the charitable giving changes that began in January 2026. For ministries connected to the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, this moment remains an important time to consider your charitable giving strategies. Several updated rules affecting charitable giving are now in effect and should be carefully reviewed with your constituents. These changes impact all U.S. taxpayers – both itemizers and non-itemizers.

Taxpayers who take the standard deduction on their tax return are allowed an above-the-line charitable deduction for a gift of cash to a qualified nonprofit up to $1,000 for a single taxpayer or $2,000 for a married couple filing jointly in 2026 and subsequent years.

For local church leaders, these changes present both complexity and opportunity as you guide congregations in faithful and informed stewardship. We encourage you to take time to understand how these updates may affect giving strategies within your church and broader ministry context. If you have questions or would like to explore how these rules may impact your congregation’s planned giving, endowment funds, or annual stewardship efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact the Foundation. We are here to support you with guidance, resources, and partnership as you continue your important ministry work.

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Doctor of Ministry

Application Portal Open

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan is pleased to support clergy pursuing continued growth and leadership through theological education. One of our continuing education scholarships is for Doctor of Ministry students. For those pastors working on their D. Min. who have a gap between your tuition and related expenses and your current scholarships, grants, or continuing education funds, you are encouraged to apply for a Doctor of Ministry scholarship.

This opportunity is designed to invest in faithful, forward-thinking leaders who are seeking to deepen their ministry and expand their impact. By helping offset the financial burden of advanced study, the Foundation remains committed to strengthening the Church through well-equipped and spiritually grounded leadership.

Visit our Grants and Scholarship Page for an Application.

Understanding Gift Planning
Watch Our Videos to Learn More

Gift planning is a charitable approach that aligns your financial, tax, and estate objectives. By employing smart gifting strategies, you can make substantial charitable contributions both during your lifetime and after your passing. This process includes donating assets such as stocks, real estate, or retirement plans.

Gift planning empowers donors to make more significant and impactful gifts than they might have otherwise considered with typical donations, all while safeguarding their financial well-being and that of their heirs. The staff at the Foundation is available to assist you in shaping your gift and establishing your legacy.

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Mustard Seed Grant Program

The UMCOR Mustard Seed Migration Grant program encourages churches to support migrants and refugees. The Foundation serves as the local agent for the Michigan Conference, receiving and evaluating applications for grants. Each grant amounts to $2,000, aimed at community service projects focused on migrants and refugees.

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Education Debt Refinancing

We provide a faith-driven program to help ordained clergy manage educational debt. Eligible elders and deacons can confidentially refinance up to $50,000 in student loans at a fixed interest rate of 1.5 percent. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting clergy’s financial journeys with compassion and community values.