Planned Giving for Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church
We make a living by what we get.
We make a life by what we give.
Introduction
Our church is special to us, as it was to those who came before us. For almost two centuries, it has stood as a beacon of universal love and acceptance for all people. And it is the loving, ongoing support of members through the years that has made our beloved community possible.
We say that ours is a free religion, meaning that the faith that we practice is non-creedal, and we hold the responsibility to assure that it remains a special place of spiritual freedom for those who will come after.
Much of what makes Heritage such a wonderful community is its spirit of generosity, whether we are contributing to our services, teaching our classes, caring for building or reaching out to others.
We who are members today can take steps to assure that our community continues for those who come through our doors in the future, for those who also need a place to “seek knowledge in freedom.” We can make arrangements to make a planned gift to Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church and fulfill our human urge to leave something behind. Through a planned gift, we can perpetuate the spirit of our church for generations to come.
Have planned gifts been made to Heritage Church in the past?
Yes. Lewis Broadwell made perhaps the first planned gift in 1852. He included a bequest to the church in his will, resulting in a gift of over $53,000. A hundred and ten years later, Cora Littell left a bequest of stock, which served us well for decades. These gifts, and many others over the years, have made a difference in the life of our church. They were gifts that kept on giving.
Aren’t planned gifts only for the wealthy?
No. Although some planned giving techniques have tremendous tax benefits (making them popular for wealthy individuals), the basic concepts make sense for people of any means. In fact, some planned giving options are designed to increase a donor’s income.
What is a planned gift?
A planned gift is the donation of an asset at a future date through one’s will or estate plan. Planned giving is a way of managing your resources during your lifetime while providing others with a legacy through your estate. Through careful planning, you can help assure a healthy financial future for loved ones, benefit for significant tax savings, enjoyed increased income and arrange for a charitable gift of a lifetime. It is a way for you to make a contribution beyond your own life span.
What are the most common forms of planned gifts?
Here is a list of the most common forms of planned gifts. For more details on each of these and other options, please see your attorney or financial adviser, or speak to a member of the planned giving committee.
A bequest provides for loved ones, Heritage Church and others through a provision in your will. It could be a specific asset, a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate.
Life insurance allows you to make a large gift at a small cost by designating Heritage Church as the beneficiary of a policy.
An individual retirement account (IRA) enables you to realize tax savings on these assets by simply designating Heritage Church as the beneficiary of all or part of your IRA.
How will my planned gift be used?
Your gift will be added to Heritage Church’s endowment fund, established to receive planned gifts. Endowments are defined as “funds or property donated to an institution for the purpose of income.” Translated into planned giving terms, this means that the principal of your gift will remain intact and only the income generated from the principal will be used as defined by the church’s endowment policy. This includes special programs and projects such as, but not limited to, capital equipment, religious education, professional development, music, outreach, social action and other projects as determined by the endowment committee.
Unlike contributions toward our operating budget and capital campaigns, contributions to the endowment fund in the form of planned gifts are directed well into the future. Translated into very personal terms, this means that you as a donor will remain an important part of our church’s future for years to come. Your physical lifetime does not limit your ability to care and keep on caring.
May I designate my planned gift for a purpose?
Heritage Church encourages you to make your planned gift without restriction. However, if you feel strongly about a specific designation, please talk to a member of the endowment committee.
May I remember or honor a loved one in my bequest?
You may make any donation or bequest in memory or honor of a loved one.
How do I notify Heritage of my gift?
Simply download and complete the Planned Giving Commitment form. You may return this form to the Church Office.
May 2019.
