Charitable contributions?

Question

I would like to know how giving offerings at church can be considered charitable contributions that can be written off as such. Maybe I am just confused on what a charity is. I was under the impression that a charity would give help or relief to the poor and needy (which is also the definition of charity). Could someone try and explain this?

Answer 1

I'll try! Giving offerings at church is tithes (for God's work) in the church, and surrounding areas, giving to charities is the same thing but on a larger scale, you're still giving  to other organizations so they can help other people through the love of God, and through your love for God, to help his creation, and giving of yourself and your money,and your time.Charity does mean giving to the poor and needy, but its also a way for you,me and others to show their love for God, and its our way of showing we care and want to help for the less fortunate.Did I help you?With my explanation? I pray I did.I give to my charities with    what little I have, to show God I love him, and His creation, especially to anyone who needs anything! You see its not how much you give, its how you give!In other words,if you give because you think it is expected of you,then DON"T GIVE! but if you're giving because you want to, then give from your heart.I don't have have much,as far as money is concerned (like most people) but I give my 1st 10% to God thru the church or organizations to help, [because you see if it were not for God's love for me I would not have anything]Just remember God loves you, no matter what.

Answer 2

In terms of what is considered a charity for tax purposes you have to go back to the US Tax Code. If I remember correctly churches are specifically listed as charitable organizations. For the most part when the Code was written churches were local organizations that often provided charitable services to the local communities. The advent of the huge mega churches with the large sums of money running through them is a relatively new thing.

My two cents worth.

Answer 3

The church is not, or at least should not be, a profitable institution. As church operations are funded by the contributions of it members, it is considered charitable. Think of it the this way, the church couldn't operate without the donations of its members. Furthermore, churches tend to do charitable work for others, the needy and poor, so the money goes on to do further good--if it's properly managed, that is.

Answer 4

ONE OF THE FOUR PILLARS OF AN ELKS LODGE IS CHARITY. WE CONTINUELY GIVE TO THE NEEDY AND SUPRESSED. CHURCHS DO MANY OF THE SAME THINGS. ANYTIME YOU GIVE TO AN ORGAIZATION THAT IN TURN GIVE BACK TO THE UNDERPRIVLEDGED THIS IS HELPING THE NEEDY. THE SAME AS IF YOU GAVE IT DIRECTLY TO THE NEEDY YOURSELF.