Is money given to an individual to go on a church sponsored missions trip deductible if the money was used solely to cover her trip expenses?

[IsabellaG]

No, money given to an individual (for any purpose) is not deductible as a charitable contribution. In order to be deductible, the money must be donated to a recognized charitable organization. If the church receives the donation and uses it to sponsor a missionary, the contribution would be deductible by the donor.