Planned Giving

Discover How Planned Gifts Can Strengthen Our Anglican Community

“With Gracious & Generous Hearts” (Acts 2:46)

What is Planned Giving?

A planned gift is a gift deferred – a way of expressing your wishes now about how your resources are to be used later. A planned gift is a commitment made to protect those you love – and an opportunity to benefit the Church for generations to come. Planned giving is not separate from Christian Stewardship, but is rather an important part of it. Planned giving offers ways – over and above our regular support to the Church’s on-going work – to share God’s gifts with others, and to grow spiritually as we live out our vocations and ministries within the mission of the Church.

Ways to Give

There are many types of planned gifts. A gift plan that works for one individual or family may not work for another, because the make-up of estates or accumulated assets is as different as the households themselves. The good news is that federal law provides the means for donors to direct the taxable portion of their estates to benefit the community and the Church Some gift planning vehicles will benefit the Church now, giving an immediate tax credit. Others will benefit the Church later, with a tax credit accruing to the donor’s estate.

SOME OPTIONS…

Bequest in your Will

A gift made in your Will – the most common form of deferred gift – provides tax relief to your estate, while ensuring that your commitment to the life of the Church lasts beyond your lifetime. Care should be taken to ensure that the form and purpose of your gift is clear. The diocesan Stewardship Development Office can advise on the appropriate wording of a bequest. A lawyer’s services are recommended for the making of a Will.

Life Insurance

Life Insurance often allows you to make a larger gift than you might otherwise be able to make. You can assign a paid-up policy for which you have no further need, or obtain a new policy, naming the Church as beneficiary. By assigning ownership to the Church, you receive a tax credit for the cash surrender value and all future premiums. Naming the Church as your beneficiary will give tax benefits to your estate.

Gift Annuities

Gift and “Gift Plus” Annuities are available through General Synod. They provide guaranteed income during your lifetime and a gift of money to the Church at time of your passing. In the case of “Gift Plus” Annuities, this gift is immediate. A portion of the annual income will be tax-free, depending on your situation at the time of your gift.

Trusts & Gifts of Residual Interest

Individuals with substantial assets may wish to donate a portion of them to the Church, while retaining use during their lifetimes. Besides cash and investment holdings, these assets may include property such as real estate or art.

Gifts of Marketable Securities (Stocks)

People who have made significant capital gains from investments are often faced with large tax burdens when they sell them. By donating securities to the Church, your charitable objectives can be addressed and your tax burden reduced. Recent changes in tax law have made this type of gift very attractive to donors.

We ask you to prayerfully consider opportunities to strengthen the Anglican community. Our office can provide you with additional information. Feel free to contact us with any questions.