Protect Your Donations

Economic scandals are more common in church communities than you might think. Over $35 billion of the $569 billion churchgoers are expected to donate ends up being laundered, embezzled, or used for other improper purposes. The Wall Street Journal discusses several ways you can ensure your money is being used for your intended purpose.

• Ask questions about the mission’s purpose – you can ask finance committees to see the church’s financial records or request to attend a meeting.
• Take care of your family first – Be careful not to give so much so that you don’t put yourself in debt. Setting a budget can help to prevent such a situation.
• Do good – You can donate your time in place of or in addition to your money.

See Veronica Dagher, Trust in the Lord…But Check Out the Church, The Wall Street Journal, May 5, 2012.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.