Ways To Give

YEAR-END GIVING GUIDELINES

Please consider these important guidelines and reminders regarding giving to St. Mary’s on the Highlands. Contributions to St. Mary’s are tax-deductible as allowed by law.   Maximum tax benefits depend on timing.   Your continued contributions are always appreciated.


IRS rules recognize a contribution on the day of delivery.   For contributions to be deductible for 2025, they must meet one of the following criteria:

  • By mail: postmarked on or before December 31, 2025.   Mail to: 
    St. Mary’s on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church
    1910 12th Avenue South
    Birmingham, AL 35205
    Attention: Director of Finance
  • Hand delivery:   Received at the church office by noon, Wednesday, December 31, 2025.  
    Any gifts dropped off after the office is closed will be treated as 2026 gifts.
  • Online giving:   Please utilize our secure online giving option.  (See below.)  When paying by credit or debit card, you will get credit for the amount the church actually receives, less the 3% fee. Electronic checks are free.
  • Stock transfer: The stock gift must be received by St. Mary’s brokerage account by December 30th. Please consult with your financial advisor and initiate your transfer early. Some transfers take longer, especially at the end of the year.  Please contact Rhea Pelekis prior to requesting a transfer of stock.  This will ensure that you receive the appropriate credit and that you have the correct transfer instructions. 


Please note that any gifts given via online bill payment services are dated on the date your bank actually transmits or otherwise removes the funds from your account, NOT on the date you schedule or submit the transaction.


Please note on the memo line which account you are supporting: 2025 pledge, Christmas offering, prepaid 2026 pledge, or memorial, etc.


Tax situations vary. We encourage you to consult with your tax or financial advisor regarding any charitable donations or gifts.

Thank you for your continued generous support of the life of St. Mary's-on-the-Highlands.   If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Rhea Pelekis at (205) 933-1140 or by email.

ONLINE

Fee Notice: 

E-checks are free to the church. On the payment page, click the down arrow by “Account Type” and choose checking to enter your checking routing and account numbers.

Credit and debit card transactions are assessed a 3% fee. When paying by credit or debit card, you will get credit for the amount the church actually receives, less the fee. 

Make donations at your convenience in our safe and secure online format! Choose from these 4 Easy ways to give:

  1. ONLINE:  Click HERE and then follow the prompts.
  2. MOBILE:  Use the Realm Connect app on your mobile device. On the Home screen, tap “Giving" then follow the prompts.   (Don't have an account for the app? Call the Parish Office at 205-933-1140.)
  3. TEXT:  Text the keyword "SMOTH" to 73256. Click the link you receive in your text message response and follow the instructions. (Text giving saves your payment method so you can quickly give again!)  Standard text message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel.
  4. Another way to give electronically is to set up St. Mary’s in your own bank’s online bill pay system. Several parishioners utilize this way of giving as they manage their other monthly financial obligations, and there are no fees to you or the church.


ONLINE MEMORIAL GIFTS

Make an online memorial gift HERE.  Please choose the fund “Memorial Fund” and include the honoree's name in the optional "Memo" field. 


ONLINE PLEDGE CARD

Follow this LINK to submit your annual pledge card online.


GIVE DURING WORSHIP SERVICES

Your generous donation will help support the wonderful programs and activities at St. Mary 's on the Highlands. Your donation is confidential, safe, and secure. Please indicate the type of gift in the memo line of your check. (such as "pledge", "altar flowers", "memorial", etc.)


STOCK GIFTS

It may be to your advantage to donate stock that has appreciated in value to St. Mary's rather than cash. Doing so entitles you to claim a charitable deduction in the amount of the current value of the donated stock on the day the stock is sold. You will also avoid paying taxes on the appreciated value of the donated stock. St. Mary's pays no capital gains tax when the stock is sold. Before making a stock gift to St. Mary’s, please contact Rhea Pelekis in the parish office at (205) 933-1140 or by email. This will ensure that we know from whom the gift is coming and that you have the current account information. 


MAILING A DONATION

If you would like to mail a donation, please send to:

St. Mary's-on-the-Highlands
Attention Rhea Pelekis, Finance Director
1910 12th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35205

Please indicate the type of gift in the memo line of your check. (such as, "pledge", "altar flowers", "memorial", etc.)


NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Please contact Rhea at the Parish Office 933-1140 or by EMAIL.


WAYS TO GIVE