The current deed
It shows exactly who holds title.
Donate a church building or institutional property to charity
Church property specialists: (888) 228-7320
Donate a Church Building to Charity
When a congregation merges, relocates or closes, its building becomes a burden: insurance on a large space, heating an empty sanctuary and a small market of buyers. Real Estate with Causes accepts church buildings, fellowship halls, parsonages, schools and lodge halls nationwide. We work with trustees, vestries, denominational offices and the members who have to approve the decision.
Tell us about the property
Every property gets a look. Name, phone and email are the only required fields.
Fully IRS Compliant
We Handle the Paperwork
Form 8283 Done Right
501(c)(3) Recognized Charity
Who has to approve the gift
Title to church property may be held by the congregation, a board of trustees, a diocese, a conference or a denominational body, depending on the tradition. Many require a congregational vote, a trustee resolution or approval from a regional office before property can be transferred.
Denominational trust clauses
Some denominations hold property in trust for the wider church. If yours does, the regional body usually has to consent.
Sacred items and the building’s future
Congregations usually remove altars, bells, stained glass with religious imagery, memorial plaques and other sacred items before the transfer, and we encourage it. Pews and fixtures can stay.
Most donated church buildings are sold and the net proceeds fund our charitable programs. We cannot promise a particular future use, and we will tell you so honestly.
What to have ready when you call
Your church clerk or trustee chair will usually have these.
Approval requirements
Bylaws, the denomination’s rules, or the resolution authorizing the gift.
A description of the buildings
Sanctuary, hall, classrooms, parsonage and parking.
Church building donation questions, answered
Can a church donate its building to another charity? +
Yes, if the body holding title approves and any denominational consent is obtained. As one charity giving to another, a church generally does not need a tax deduction, so the paperwork is simpler.
Will the building still be used as a church? +
We cannot promise that. Most donated church buildings are sold, and the buyer decides the use. If a future religious use matters to you, a sale to another congregation may be the better route.
What should we remove before the transfer? +
Sacred objects, memorials, records and anything with religious or personal significance. Pews, lighting and fixtures can usually stay.
Our denomination holds the property in trust. Does that stop it? +
No, but the regional body usually has to consent. We work within that process.
The building needs a new roof. Does that matter? +
It lowers the value and is a property fact we review. No repairs are required before a donation.
We do not provide tax or legal advice. See IRS Publication 526, Publication 561 and the Form 8283 instructions, and consult your own advisor.
Related guides
Tell us about the building and we will review it
Send the address and who holds title, and we will work with your trustees on the next step.