Advisors is proud to report that our client, Crossroads Community Church, has successfully raised 100% of its new facility debt resources through a bond underwriting conducted by Share Financial. This allows Crossroads to acquire the 45,000 square foot, former Burt Chrysler, Jeep automobile dealership located at 9900 Twenty Mile Road in Parker, Colorado.
Like most bond issues, CCC’s bond underwriting campaign was conducted in two phases—a national effort and a local placement—over a 5 month period. The national effort resulted in bonds being snapped up in just a few hours by a national audience of investors. With similar results, the local congregation requested 40% more bonds than were offered (available), with the average amount requested nearly doubled the national requested amount of $12,000-14,000 (per family).
These results are remarkable but not surprising. Bonds today offer an investor a secure investment return ranging from 4% to 8% which is substantially better than most CD and Treasury holdings. I personally own church bonds and see them as an increasing component of my own investment portfolio. Not only is it a great investment, but it allows a church congregant/member to own a piece of their church’s facility.
For an expanding church or non-profit organization, bonds are an excellent financing alternative to conventional financing. While up-front costs are considerably more, bonds offer a 25-year fixed interest rate which can be prudent in a turbulent credit environment. Oftentimes bonds are the only alternative an organization may have to procure debt financing. While we try to direct our clients towards less costly financing, more and more we observe that bonds offer the right solution.