Is giving tax deductible?

Yes, NOVO is a 501-C3 non-profit organization. Our Federal Identification Number (FIN) is 95-3523150. When you give to us through NOVO (formerly CRM), you receive a receipt for your taxes, just like when you give to your church.

How much of my gift goes to support Jeanne Berry?

The central office keeps 12% for online support, marketing, legal, accounting, HR, etc. In comparison, many other mission organizations typically assess donations at a much higher rate (15-25% or more).

So, 88% of your gift goes directly to the missionaries for living and ministry expenses. Additionally, according to IRS guidelines, NOVO limits how much money we can raise.

Is there accountability for the monthly support?

Yes. We believe in high accountability! An outside auditing agency monitors the monthly support of every missionary within NOVO. Every missionary has parameters for a minimum and maximum funding amount. If their monthly support is too low, they are not released into their ministry until the needs of their families are taken care of. NOVO wants all of its missionaries to have healthy families who have their needs met!

At the same time, every missionary has a budget ceiling, so they cannot keep raising monthly support without a cap. The beauty of this accountability system is that every missionary has what they need and is wisely stewarding God’s resources. 

Why fundraise?

Great question! Here are three reasons why fundraising is a key part of NOVO’s ministry.

First, all throughout the scriptures there is a basic theological principle that the people of God support the work of God. In a local church setting, this principle is demonstrated through the tithes that come into the church. Those tithes are the means by which God provides for the needs and ministry of the church in the local setting.

In the missionary setting of the church, this same theological principle is demonstrated through the financial support from ministry partners. These ministry partners are the means God uses to provide for the needs and ministry expenses of the missionaries who are sent out.

In both models, it is important to remember that God is the provider. Although people partner with financial support, the ultimate responsibility to provide is God’s and God’s alone. 

Secondly, the process of raising support requires a certain level of trust, surrender, and dependency on the Lord. That process is one of the ways that God prepares the missionaries with the spiritual authority needed to serve God in this capacity. You have often heard it said, “You need to practice what you preach.” Why? Because people are molded into what we model. So if a missionary is not living a life modeling surrender and dependency on Jesus, how will they encourage those they are working with to do the same? Living by raising support is one of the ways that missionaries model a life of surrender and dependency on the Lord. 

Lastly, in the same way that God calls people into ministry, God will call people to support the ministry. The pressure to raise support does not fall in the hands of the missionary. Rather, God is responsible for providing, and He is faithful. 

If I start supporting, can I stop or change the amount as needed?

Absolutely! You can stop at any time or change the amount of money given as needed. It is completely flexible!