Additional Ways to Give

In addition to annual pledges, a lesser known but very important way we support the church’s day-to-day work and special ministries has been income generated by our church’s endowment.

Our endowment is established to receive donations and estate gifts from members and friends. Your endowment gift:

• May continue in perpetuity the funding of meaningful projects through investment returns, or utilized right away depending how one designates

• Enriches the church’s mission and ministry beyond the annual budget

• Is prudently invested in the instruments of the Mission Investment Fund (MIF), affiliated with the ELCA

These types of gifts, also known as “planned or legacy giving,” demonstrate one’s belief that we are only temporary guardians of the gifts entrusted to us by God. It expresses gratitude for the generosity of the saints before us and declares to current and future generations the importance of our faith and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayerfully consider arranging for a legacy gift now. A gift of any type and size is significant, and the best gift is whatever may be appropriate for you. You may wish to:

• Memorialize a family member or loved one

• Include St. Paul Lutheran Church in your will

Leave a lasting memorial by giving assets to the church upon your passing. There are many options that can provide meaningful tax advantages such as (but not limited to): IRA distributions to the church, charitable trusts, annuities and donations of appreciated assets. Any such actions should be made in consultation with a professional advisor.

• Gifts of Cash - The simplest way you can contribute is to make an outright gift of cash, the full amount of which may qualify as an

income tax deduction.

• Gifts of Appreciated Securities - Giving long-term appreciated securities provides two income tax benefits: no capital gains tax is imposed on

the appreciated portion of the gift, and you may claim an income tax charitable deduction based on the stock’s fair market value at the time the

gift is made. Because you can avoid the capital gains tax, it is always more advantageous to contribute appreciated securities directly rather

than selling the securities and donating the proceeds.

• Other Outright Gifts - A gift of real estate may consist of full or partial ownership interest in almost any type of real property: residence, vacation

home, farm, commercial property, or undeveloped land. As with securities, a gift of real estate can generate an income tax charitable deduction

and may provide you a capital gains tax savings.

• You may also give items of marketable, tangible personal property such as works of art or antiques.

• Bequests - You are encouraged to include a bequest gift to the church in your will. This can be a percentage or a specific portion of your estate.

You may also designate the church as the beneficiary of your IRA or a portion of your IRA.

• Gift Annuities - You can make a gift of cash or securities to create a Charitable Gift Annuity and in return receive a fixed annual income for life.

The amount of the annuity paid to you and the amount of the income tax charitable deduction depends on your age at the time of the gift.

• Charitable Remainder Trusts (Unitrusts and Annuity Trusts) - A unitrust pays a variable amount of income to you and/or a designated

beneficiary. An annuity trust pays a fixed annual income. In each case, after the death of the beneficiary, thr chutch receives the remainder.

These trusts provide the donor tax savings, asset diversification, and income for life.

• Charitable Lead Trusts - You can make a gift by placing assets in a trust which provides that trust income be paid to the church for a term of

years. When the trust terminates, the principal can revert to you or your designated beneficiaries, typically children or grandchildren. The

charitable lead trust can offer significant gift and estate tax savings.

• Gifts of Life Insurance - An insurance policy may be an attractive asset to designate as a gift. Contributing ownership of a fully paid-up life

insurance policy can enable you to make a larger gift and obtain favorable tax benefits.

• Gifts of certificates of deposit (CDs) payable upon death to St. Paul Lutheran Church.