What is the CSSM Development Fund?

The CSSM Development Fund provides an opportunity to our ministry partners to see their gift to CSSM Ministries continue to contribute annually to the ministry. Their original gift, directed towards the CSSM Development Fund, is invested in a manner that will ensure that the annual earnings from their gift are used to further the kingdom of God through the CSSM ministry of their choice, in the years to come.

How does the CSSM Development Fund work?

As a partner you choose the CSSM ministry you would like to support (i.e. a particular camp, church, provincial or national support office, etc.).  Upon receipt of your gift, 10% of the proceeds will be distributed to your chosen ministry within the current calendar year.  The remaining 90% will be invested in a manner that will ensure a reasonable annual rate of return that will be forwarded to your chosen ministry each year for indefinite years to come.

How does the CSSM Development Fund make a difference?

Each CSSM ministry chooses how the proceeds they receive each year from the CSSM Development Fund would best enhance and grow their ministry.  This could include such initiatives as capital projects, assistance to families for children to attend camp or summer staff support.  Funds will not be used to cover operating losses or reduce deficits.
For example, your bequest gift of $25,000 would ensure that 5 campers, who would otherwise not come to camp, could come, every year, until the coming of our Lord.  That, by any standards, is a quite a difference!

How does the CSSM Development Fund tie into estate planning?

Many of our ministry partners begin to consider investing in the Development Fund as they review their will and explore creative ways to invest one last time in the work of God.  This review is often aided with the help of stewardship consultants who can best advise in such areas as will-planning, beneficiary designations, tax-planning, and charitable bequests. CSSM Ministries has partnered with Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC), a national Christian stewardship organization with five offices across Canada, to provide direction and support in this area.

What are the next steps?

If you are interested in exploring more about the CSSM Development Fund or other ways that you may support CSSM Ministries through stewardship planning, please contact your local Provincial Support Ministry Office.  They would love to set up a time to learn how they can best serve you.

We know that a simple desire to be generous can be complicated by the regulations and intricacies of life.  Our desire is that by listening carefully and advising wisely we can walk you through this important task in a way that makes giving a generous and joyful event.

We look forward to serving you and partnering together to make an eternal change in the lives of our children and youth.  

Other stewardship services available:

Planning Gifts of Stock and Securities – the Canadian Revenue Agency has recently changed its rules regarding the gifting of such securities as stocks and bonds (as well as, in some cases, the gifting of shares in privately held family and business corporations) to allow an exemption from the capital gains tax.  Proper planning will not only reduce your taxable income, it will also, upon your passing, reduce the probate costs of your estate.

Planning Gifts of Life Insurance Policies – It is possible, by naming CSSM Ministries as your beneficiary, to gift an old life insurance policy that you no longer need to the mission and your estate would then receive a tax receipt for the full amount of the death benefit.  You can receive an immediate tax receipt while living by transferring the ownership and the beneficiary designation of a life insurance policy to CSSM Ministries.  Each year the premiums are paid, you will receive a tax receipt for the contribution.

Stewardship Seminars – these seminars are hosted by the local church and provide an opportunity for individuals and couples to learn of the importance of wills and estate planning.  These seminars often lead to personalized one-on-one meetings between the stewardship consultant and the individual or couple.