“(Staff) was very knowledgeable and helpful in choosing the right annuity for us. It’s a different kind of investment. We could let money stagnate in a savings account, or we can invest in the kingdom.”
- Carolyn “Cookie” Thompson, planned gift donor
Planned giving is a way to continue a lifetime of generosity and support vital ministries for years to come. Donors can arrange to give an asset now or sometime in the future, often receiving immediate financial benefits. At the same time, donors are able to make a lasting impact on the ministries they value most.
The foundation is available to help you determine the gift options that are best for you and establish your planned gifts. It also administers funds for Florida Conference churches and agencies.
Resources You Might Be Interested In:
Popular types of planned gifts
Bequests
Bequests through a will or estate are a way donors may leave a lasting legacy. Donors name their beneficiaries and the gifts they will receive, while continuing to use the property during their lifetimes. Foundation staff members are available to meet with donors on a confidential basis and at no cost or obligation to discuss end-of-life planning. The foundation is legally authorized to serve as administrator of bequests established to benefit churches or qualified charities.
Charitable trusts
Charitable trusts provide donors a variety of options. Similar to a gift annuity, a charitable remainder trust provides an income benefit to the donor or others, as well as a way to make a gift to a church or church-related institution. A charitable lead trust provides income for the donor’s church for a period of time, while retaining the asset for the donor’s family. The foundation is legally authorized to serve as trustee for trusts that benefit Florida Conference churches or agencies.
Appreciated securities
Gifts of appreciated securities are an easy way for donors to support ministries and causes that are important to them. When donors transfer stock or mutual funds to their church or other qualified charity, they avoid capital gains taxes and receive an income tax deduction. For beneficiaries that do not have a brokerage account, donations may be made through the foundation. After donors complete a required form provided by the foundation, the foundation sells the stock through its agent, with no transaction fee. The proceeds are then sent to the church or other charity.
Gift annuities
Charitable gift annuities are among the most popular planned gifts. Under the terms of a gift annuity agreement, the donor makes a gift to the church or related organization. During the year the gift is made, the donor receives a charitable income tax deduction. For the term of the agreement, the donor receives regular annuity payments, based on the donor’s age and the amount of the gift.
Donor-advised funds
Donor-advised funds enable donors and their families to practice philanthropy on a regular basis. The donor sets up a fund managed by the foundation, and each year, the donor advises the foundation where, when and how the funds should be distributed. Depending on the wishes of the donor, gifts from the fund to the charities of their choice may be made from interest only or from principal. The fund is like a family trust that allows parents to teach their children about charitable giving. It can continue for several generations or be terminated on the death of the original donor. And this type of fund enables donors to see the results of their gifts right now, making it an attractive option for younger givers.