Planned Giving
The St. Stephen's Endowment Fund
What Is Planned Giving? Planned giving encompasses a variety of ways that gifts can be made to the church from accumulated resources. It usually involves financial or estate planning; however, it is not reserved for the wealthy. Planned giving is a means by which anyone concerned with the wise use of his or her personal resources makes a considered choice about their ultimate disposition. In general planned gifts are made through: A Bequest in a Will, A Life Income Gift such as a pooled income fund, a charitable gift annuity, or a charitable remainder trust, Gifts of Special Assets (real estate, closely held stock, life insurance, retirement accounts) Planned giving establishes a way for a donor to provide for family members while remembering the church as well. It often enables the donor to provide more for his or her heirs and to make a larger gift than thought possible. It often reduces taxes as well. Planned gifts can be designated for an organization’s general funds or its endowment. Planned gifts are either outright gifts (i.e., gifts of appreciated securities, real property, personal property, etc.) or deferred gifts (i.e. bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts).
 
As we age and come to peace with the finite nature of our earthly lives, we begin to take inventory of all aspects of our being: Our health, our relationships, our finances, and, ultimately, the legacy that we leave behind when our time comes to pass.

Through this reflection we pinpoint our core values and determine how those things which we hold most dear might be reflected in our own estate plans. Often, this will come in the form of a legacy or planned gift to a charitable organization that mirrors those same core values.

At the same time, many who have a desire to support the charities they love beyond their lifetime also wrestle with the fear of outliving their assets. Charitable vehicles known as life income gifts can offer donors present-day tax benefits, provide a stream of income throughout their lifetime, and have a significant charitable impact at the time of their passing.
 
A life income gift is a gift arrangement in which the donor makes an irrevocable gift of cash or appreciated securities to a charitable organization. In exchange, the donor receives an immediate charitable deduction and an income interest for life or for a specified number of years. Following the death of the income beneficiaries or the close of the gift’s term, the remaining value of the gift is transferred to the charities specified by the donor when the gift was established.
 
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) offers three types of life income gifts for donors who wish to benefit Episcopal entities (parishes, dioceses, and other Episcopal institutions) through their philanthropy.

Charitable Gift Annuities provide donors or other donor-designated beneficiaries with guaranteed fixed income for life. Charitable Gift Annuities can be funded with as little as $5,000. The minimum age to receive annuity payments is 55. However, payments may be deferred.


If you would like to learn more about Planned Giving, please contact our Parish Office.

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