Archdiocese Faces Fraud Suit for Using Donations to Defend, Settle Sex Abuse Claim The church tried—and failed—to have the case dismissed under the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine. Richard R. Hammar
Mastercard Rolls Out New Standards for Recurring Billing Understanding these standards is important for churches and church-run schools with sustainer donor programs. Ted Batson
A Christian Ministry’s Fundraising Violated Federal Securities Laws Churches should never assume they are automatically exempt from federal regulations when raising funds by selling securities. Richard R. Hammar
Q&A: Should We Start Digging Into Our Financial Reserves? Churches that deplete their reserves should replenish them over time. Michael E. Batts
Recommended Reading Managing Tough Financial Times Articles to help you adjust budgets, think strategically, and approach the challenge with confidence. The Editors
A 12-Point Checklist for Setting Church Fundraising Guidelines This downloadable 12-point checklist is created for those wondering how to establish church fundraising guidelines. Jeff Hanna
Church Loan Modifications in a Crisis Restructuring your church’s debt when full payment, or any payment, becomes difficult. Vonna Laue and Michelle Sanchez
Bankruptcy Law Key point 9-09. Bankruptcy trustees are prohibited by the federal Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation
Federal and State Securities Law Key point 9-04. Federal and state laws regulate the offer and sale of securities for
Limitations on Charitable Giving Key point 9-03. Historically, several states had laws limiting the right of persons to leave
Regulation of Charitable Solicitations Key point 9-02. Several states have enacted laws regulating the solicitation of charitable contributions. These
Securities Law Violations Key point 4-07. Clergy may violate state securities laws in a number of ways, including
Should Your Church Raise Money Through Crowdfunding Sites? A fundraising expert offers insights on this increasingly popular online tool. Interview with NextAfter’s Brady Josephson by Bob Smietana
Planning a Church Building Project Learn about zoning laws, property sales, church construction, financing, and more.
Q&A: What Counts as a Tax-Deductible Donation? What is—and isn't—tax-deductible for donors who attend a church fundraising event. Michael E. Batts
Building with Confidence A legal and financial blueprint for church construction projects. David Middlebrook
Financial Trends in Launching Congregations Study looks at how new churches approach funding and facilities. The Barna Group