Donations to SaveWMCU.com Fund
We believe that use of donations is a special responsibility and must be handled in a proper and transparent manner. Therefore we feel it is appropriate to share the various aspects of how funds donated to
SaveWMCU will be handled and used.
1) HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAVEWMCU FUND
There are several methods of donating to SaveWMCU.
On-Line: CLICK HERE and fill out the secure PayPal donation form. (You can use credit card or your PayPal account.) All funds from this form will go to the SaveWMCU account.
By mail: Checks or money orders payable to UPPER ROOM ASSEMBLY (with SaveWMCU in the memo line) should be mailed to:
SaveWMCU.com, 19701 SW 127th Ave., Miami, FL 33177.
In person: Checks or money orders payable to UPPER ROOM ASSEMBLY
(with SaveWMCU in the memo line) or cash, can be brought to
Upper Room (19701 SW 127th Ave., Miami, FL, (305) 251-0876). Please place the funds in an offering envelope (available in the sanctuary or from the office) and be sure to fill in your name, address and phone number (and giving number if you are a member of Upper Room) and mark SaveWMCU on the envelope. (You can also use a credit card by filling in the credit card info on the back of the offering envelope.) Also, we will be accepting contributions at most SaveWMCU "Town Meetings".
Please let us know if you have any questions.
2) NATURE AND USE OF THE SAVEWMCU FUND
A number of people have already expressed a desire to contribute financially to the SaveWMCU.com effort. We of course have had various expenses such as those related to maintenance of the website and copying expenses. We are anticipating various legal costs related to the filing of the formal petition with the FCC and possible future legal action. Also, we might be using some of the funds for paid advertising to help spread the word about SaveWMCU. All of the future steps are not totally finalized at this time and some of the possible costs are unknown. Therefore, we would simply ask for each person to give as they feel led at this time. That is why we are constantly praying and asking for prayer for wisdom and guidance each step of the way. As Joshua said to the children of Israel just before they crossed the Jordan "... for we have not passed this way before" (from Josh. 3:4).
At this time, even if everyone gave an average of only ~$20 per person (of course some will be able to give more and some less (II Cor. 8:12)) that would put the fund in the range for our current needs. If there are more sizable needs later, we will try and get the word out on that.
In the event that a donor feels that they have available a sizable amount to contribute in the event of a large expense in the nearfuture (e.g., various legal expenses), we would suggest simply contacting us to let us know about the funds so that we can reach the donor when and if a need for those funds takes place.Again, the bottom line is PLEASE PRAY AND THEN GIVE AS YOU ARE LED.
3) TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR DONATIONS
It is our understanding that funds given in the current method -- paid directly to Upper Room Assembly but designated for the SaveWMCU fund will be tax deductible and donors will be able to receive the appropriate receipts for those donations. If there is some problem that arises with this, we will post that info immediately. (Excuse me for the "if" clause here, but I know that things are often more complex than we realize when dealing with the IRS. At the moment, however, the Upper Room bookkeeper, who is very knowledgeable and meticulous in these matters, does say the donations are deductible.)
4) OVERSIGHT OF DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
Although SaveWMCU is non-denominational in its mission and vision, it currently operates as an outreach of Upper Room Assembly until such a time as SaveWMCU registers as an official organization. The funds will be spent with agreement from the SaveWMCU board combined with Pastoral oversight from Upper Room Assembly, the church which is handling the funds until such a time as SaveWMCU becomes a 501(c)(3) organization at which time SaveWMCU will handle the funds directly. Note that the money in the SaveWMCU fund will not be used by Upper Room at any time now or in the future except to reimburse any expenses the church has incurred in assisting with the mission of SaveWMCU (e.g., copies, mailings, etc.).
5) OTHER CHRISTIAN RADIO POSSIBILITIES BEING EXPLORED
Although SaveWMCU is primarily focused towards restoring Christian programming to the WMCU frequencies, we are also in contact with people who are exploring other of bringing Christian radio (in various formats) to our area through the purchase of other frequencies and/or assisting existing stations in the increase of the power of their signal, etc. We would welcome those who would offer the availability of funds for these purposes, and would connect them with parties who are interested in that type of assistance. However, financial support of these endeavors is not the current planned use of SaveWMCU funds. (See the dissolution section below for additional information on this.) It is true though that some of the efforts of SaveWMCU (such as rallying the Christian community together and spreading the word about various other efforts) will benefit these endeavors.
6) DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS UPON DISSOLUTION OF THE SAVEWMCU EFFORT
Whether or not we are successful in our primary goal -- which is the restoration of 89.7 FM (and 101.9 FM) to Christian programming, at some point the need for SaveWMCU will come to an end. At that time, any remaining funds will be distributed with agreement from the board and pastoral oversight. One possibility is for the funds to be distributed between various recognized area Christian charities. These ministries may include such organizations as the Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Miami Rescue Mission. However, depending on what has transpired by then in the many efforts to expand Christian radio in our area, it may be decided to direct some or all of those funds in support of those efforts. If possible, we will solicit suggestions or allow some sort of informal vote to decide what to do with any leftover funds.
PLEASE feel free to ask us any questions about what has been discussed here. Please give as you feel led of the Lord to do so.
And remember -- keep spreading the word about SaveWMCU so that together we can let our voice be heard!
