Legacy Giving - Why Do Less Than 2% Of Christians Leave Deferred Gifts To Their Churches?

Studies report the top two answers are:
• They have not been asked
• They do not know how!

Seniors in today's world have more assets than any comparable generation in history. These are the same people who make up the core of the church's most loyal members, who still believe in old fashioned values.

Most people procrastinate about estate planning. They don't want to think about death or feel they aren't "rich" enough to need to plan. If these decisions are delayed indefinitely, it is the survivors who suffer and the very churches that have been so important to these people go wanting.

But people can help themselves and their churches. Life income gifts can provide donors:
• more income for themselves for the rest of their lives
• immediate income tax deductions to keep more money in hand
• reduced capital gains taxes
• reduction or elimination of inheritance taxes
• a way to make a truly significant gift to the church or institution they want to see survive and prosper

For an explanation of several creative giving techniques for establishing a permanent endowment, click this pdf link.

Go to the Episcopal Church Foundation’s web site to learn more about this subject and to contact individuals who will gladly assist you with specific questions and in creating a personalized gift plan.

Dioceses and parishes that are interested in learning more about establishing a comprehensive ministry of Planned (Legacy) Giving, including the establishment of an endowment fund, are encouraged to contact Mr. Ken Quigley, Director of Investment Services, The Episcopal Church Foundation. Call (800) 697-2858 or (212) 697-2858. Or E-mail Ken.

Model parish web sites on the subject of planned/legacy giving include Church of Our Saviour, Mill Valley, CA.  Click here to view their giving page.

If you are motivated to create a web presence for planned giving opportunities to serve your parish, visit this page at www.VirtualGiving.com to discover some of the outstanding opportunities that are available.  A Google search for “Planned Giving” will also reveal thousands of sites that are offering guidance to their constituencies.

Diocesan web sites that offer excellent material for parish links include the Diocese of West Texas (click on link at the left for Resources for Congregations), the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of Olympia.

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