Giving

How do I give?

Several safe and secure methods of giving provide convenient ways to offer our tithes and financially contribute to the campuses of Willow Creek Community Church.

• Weekend services: Simply place cash or checks in the offering bag during the collection at any weekend service. Be sure to include your name and address on the check or envelope, so that donation credit may be provided for tax purposes. Designate the campus to which you would like the offering applied.
• Online giving: Online giving allows for a specific dollar amount to be deducted automatically from a checking or savings account. You can set up online giving either as a one-time donation or a recurring gift. Online giving is not only easy, it's also safe and secure. This option helps individuals and families remain faithful in their giving even when they are out of town or unable to attend a weekend service.
• By mail: Mail your donation to Willow's main campus at 67 East Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL 60010. Be sure to include your name and address on the check or envelope so that donation credit may be provided for tax purposes. Designate the campus to which you would like the offering applied.

Note: Willow Creek is unable to accept donations via credit card.

• Where do my donations to Willow Creek go?

  General Operating Fund: Donations to Willow Creek Community Church support its General Operating Fund. This fund makes possible the day-to-day ministries and services of the church.

  Special funds: Periodically, opportunities to designate a donation to a specific ministry initiative become available. Celebration of Hope and the Year-End Fund are two examples of ministry-initiative funds with specific start and end dates. To designate your contribution to a specific fund, simply indicate the name of the initiative (e.g., COH or YEF) on the memo line of your check or on your envelope.

• How does Willow Creek uphold financial accountability?

  We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of others.

  —2 Corinthians 8:20–21 (TNIV)

  Willow Creek is committed to honoring God’s provision by exercising wise and faithful stewardship, ethical business practices, and full accountability to ensure the financial integrity of Willow Creek remains above reproach. We accomplish this through a system of internal controls and an internal budgeting and reporting process.

  • An annual audit is performed by an independent certified public accounting firm.
  • Willow Creek is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). ECFA is an accreditation agency that is dedicated to helping Christian ministries uphold high standards for responsible stewardship. For more information on ECFA, visit www.ecfa.org.
  • Anyone may request a copy of Willow Creek’s most recently audited financial statements. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (224) 512-6636 to ask general questions about our financial practices.

• Can I make non-cash contributions?

  Many people find creative ways to make contributions to Willow's ministries through non-cash gifts. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Stocks and mutual funds: You will receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of your securities at the time of donation, and you will pay no capital gains tax on the difference between your cost and the fair market value. Fill out the appropriate form below, send a copy to your broker to authorize the transfer, and send a copy to Willow letting us know how you want the funds applied:
    • Gift of Stock – Electronic
    • Gift of Stock Certificate
    • Gift of Mutual Funds
  • Car donations: Willow's C.A.R.S. Ministry is committed to meeting transportation needs of people who are unable to meet those needs themselves. When you donate your used car to the CA.R.S. Ministry, you receive a tax deduction and someone in need of transportation receives the reliable transportation they have been praying for. Visit the C.A.R.S. Ministry page for additional information, or call (224) 512-1775.
  • Other: Other giving options include life insurance, retirement assets, bequests, and charitable gift fund donations. For additional information, contact Willow's This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (224) 512-6636.

• Can I give from my IRA?

  If you are taking a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an IRA account, you may contribute that directly to a charitable organization as a tax-free distribution. This enables you to satisfy IRA distribution requirements, support charitable causes, and receive a tax break all at the same time. As a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, taxpayers can take these qualified charitable distributions (QCD) throughout the 2013 tax year. For more information read an informational article by clicking on the button below, but please consult an independent legal and/or tax advisor for specific advice about your individual situation. Read article

• Can I give through estate planning?

  Willow Creek has developed a way for you to consider "legacy giving" through the Stewardship Estate-Planning ministry. Designed to help you think through how to provide for your family through your estate, this ministry helps you avoid probate, minimize taxes, and support causes close to yourheart. More importantly, it provides a biblical understanding of stewardship and how biblical principles can influence your estate-planning decisions.

  Willow offers quarterly workshops for those interested in learning these principles and connecting with a estate-planning professional. If you would like to be notified about the next workshop, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• How late in the year can I make a donation and receive a credit for this year's taxes?

  Per IRS regulations, contributions for each year must be received or postmarked by December 31 of that year in order to receive donation credit for that year's tax purposes.

  Please submit your online, mailed, or in-person donation accordingly.