GIVING TOWARDS SHORT-TERM MISSIONS TRIPS

Supporting a short-term mission trip.

Each team member has the opportunity to raise his or her own financial support in order to go on a missions trip. This is a unique opportunity to see God provide in ways that will strengthen the faith of those going on the trip and allow others that are unable to go participate in the mission. Each person will be thoroughly equipped and prepared with the knowledge of how to raise support. This is typically done through emails that ask people to contribute toward the trip, or through corporate matching gifts.

How is the cost determined?

Each team budget can contain 30 or more major expense categories. Some of these include airfare, vehicle rental and gasoline, housing costs, food, visas, training materials, ministry materials, travel & health insurance, construction materials, and much more. Every effort is made to minimize costs without jeopardizing the quality, effectiveness or safety of the ministry. A trip team leader works closely with the in-country leaders and presents a budget that is reviewed and approved by the missions committee.

Will my donation be tax deductible?

Yes.

Are gifts considered gifts to individual short-term missionaries?

Gifts are not considered gifts to individual short-term missionaries, nor gifts to specific trips in a given year, but rather gifts to a missions project (e.g. Belarus). This allows Tates Creek Mission Committee maximum flexibility to use the funds where most needed. In most cases funds raised will be used for the mission project for which they were originally given, but this is not always true. For example, a short term missionary may raise funds for the Belarus 2017 trip, but for some reason is unable to attend the trip. Funds raised by this person will be used first to pay expenses already incurred for this individual and the trip. Tates Creek Mission Committee could make a decision to redirect any remaining funds to a future mission trip for that short-term missionary, such as the Valladolid 2018 trip. If the short-term missionary cannot attend the trip and will not be attending a future trip, the funds will typically be used for other short-term missionaries on the trip for which the funds were raised. Also, in certain circumstances when funds are raised in excess of the team’s basic travel, lodging and meal expenses, Tates Creek Mission Committee may decide to reserve funds for a future trip, rather than grant large amounts of funds to overseas missionaries.

Which expenses can be reimbursed?

A team member is not allowed to control which expenses can be reimbursed from the funds raised. Funds raised well in excess of the funds needed cannot be directed by the team member, but are under the direction and control of Tates Creek Mission Committee. Coach class airfare to and from the missions site, and onsite meals and transportation are typically reimbursable when approved in advanced. Airfare for side trips and non-coach tickets are not reimbursable. Immunizations are not reimbursable, but a team member can request a tax receipt for immunizations. In general team member should seek email approval from their trip leader, prior to incurring an expense.

Are gifts to missions considered Board-Designated or Donor Restricted?

Gifts to Tates Creek Presbyterian mission trips are considered Board-Designated gifts. This means that Tates Creek Mission Committee can decide how funds can be used in all of the various circumstances that may come up in mission trip planning. This could include using funds from this year's Valladolid trip for various expenses related to the Valladolid project such as a grant to a missions partner church in Valladolid, or if fundraising goes very well, future Valladolid needs. Board-Designated giving gives Tates Creek Mission Committee the ability to decide how to use missions funds in a way that works best for short-term missionaries, missions and the overall organization. In no circumstances are missions gifts Temporarily or Permanently Donor Restricted to a specific trip or a specific short-term missionary's expenses on that trip.

What if more money comes in for me than what I need?

Throughout this ministry the participant will function as part of a team. Your effectiveness is determined not just from an individual standpoint, but also as a team. Also, each person’s ability to raise funds varies depending on who they know, how many people they know, their ability to communicate effectively,etc.. Therefore, since the goal is to fund the entire team, any monies given beyond what you will need will go to support other team members who are struggling with their funds. Finally, if more money comes in than is required by a team, the funds can go to assist other teams who are struggling.

What if less money comes in for the participant?

Sometimes God uses a serious lack of support as an indicator that a person should not go on a particular project. The guideline we follow is that a participant must have 100% raised 30 days before departure. If this does not occur, please discuss it with your team leader and you will be given the option of paying the difference or postponing your involvement. As previously mentioned, any surplus funds raised by other team members can go to help support team members who are under-supported.

If the person you support decides to cancel their involvement in the trip, can I get my money back?

According to Tates Creek Presbyterian's interpretation of the tax codes and laws, tax-deductible contributions are nonrefundable. These funds will, however, stay in the short-term missions fund and assist other Tates Creek Presbyterian sponsored trips. If you cancel your involvement after travel documents are purchased (airfare, visas, etc.) you will be expected to cover all of the fees, penalties and losses incurred at that point.