The Silent Cost of Success: Why Your Giving Strategy May Need an Upgrade

For many high-capacity Christian stewards, financial success arrives quietly. A business sale, an inheritance, or a concentrated stock position that rises sharply might not feel like a “windfall,” but the financial consequences are significant. With more to manage, more to account for, and more potential tax exposure, these transitions often bring a sobering responsibility: how will you handle increased capacity to give?

Giving Is Good. But Is It Strategic?

Scripture calls us to give generously, but that does not mean generosity should be unplanned. Donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and direct giving to ministries may all play a role, but for many individuals, giving starts and stops with writing a check.

Without planning, even charitable giving may lead to unintended consequences:

• Missed opportunities to reduce tax liability

• Overlooking highly appreciated assets as giving vehicles

• A lack of structure for long-term or legacy giving

• Unclear alignment between values and recipients

If your financial situation has changed due to growth in a business, rising equity compensation, or a family liquidity event, it may be time to revisit not just how much you give, but how you give.

When Financial Milestones Shift the Landscape

Certain financial events often signal the need to reassess your giving strategy:

• Selling a business or investment property

• Receiving a large inheritance

• Accumulating a highly appreciated stock position

• Entering a higher tax bracket

• Planning for estate taxes or legacy giving

These moments bring both opportunity and risk. Without intentional planning, excess income or assets may be taxed heavily or left unused when they could have supported Kingdom-focused work.

At Stonecrop, we believe that stewardship includes reducing avoidable waste. That includes unnecessary taxes, missed opportunities, and unclear giving goals.

Building a Faith-Aligned Giving Plan

A values-based giving plan should reflect your convictions. It should also be structured, strategic, and designed to serve others now and into the future.

Consider these giving tools and strategies:

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): These accounts allow you to give when it is most tax-efficient, while retaining the ability to distribute funds later.

• Charitable Trusts: Useful for those with complex assets or estate planning needs.

• Asset-Based Giving: Giving appreciated stock, real estate, or business interests directly.

• Long-Term Impact Planning: Integrating charitable giving into your broader financial and legacy plan.

• Family Involvement: Teaching the next generation to give wisely and in alignment with their values.

Many Christian families want to give more and have the means to do so, but simply have not been advised on how to approach it with clarity and purpose.

How Stonecrop May Help You Give With Purpose

At Stonecrop, we believe that generosity is a key part of faithful financial stewardship. We work with individuals and families to create giving strategies that are tax-aware, spiritually aligned, and personally meaningful. Whether you are navigating a major financial transition or simply want to refresh your current giving plan, we are here to help.

Connect with Stonecrop Advisors at info@stonecropadvisors.com to explore how your generosity may grow in impact and intention.