Planned Giving

Stewardship at St. James’s is more than the Annual Giving Campaign.  It is also the way you plan for the distribution of your treasure when you die.  Remembering your church at your death leaves an important message for your family and friends.

The health of our church is built on the generosity of many, some of whom are no longer with us.  We give thanks for their gracious gifts while we recognize the responsibility each succeeding generation has to future generations and the continued strength of our parish. 

We come into this life with nothing, and we leave with nothing even though we live with abundant gifts from God.  We believe in the importance of returning to God part of what God has given us.  Therefore, when you consider or review your individual financial/estate planning, please commit to make some provision for the St. James’s Endowment Fund, Inc.  The provision can be for any amount, large or small.  St. James’s encourages every member of the parish to make such a consideration. 

Making a gift to the St. James’s Endowment Fund 

When considering a planned gift, you should first contact your attorney and/or financial advisor.  Guidance and referrals are also available from the Stewardship and Development office at St. James’s.  St. James’s is not engaged in providing legal or tax advice. Some options available for planned giving include:

  • Outright Lifetime Gifts of cash, securities or other valuables.
  • Bequests are made by naming St. James’s Endowment Fund, Incorporated as a beneficiary in your will or codicil. 
  • Life Insurance policies may name St. James’s Endowment Fund, Incorporated as beneficiary and as the owner for which you pay the premiums.
  • Charitable Gift Annuity guarantees a fixed annual payment to the donor or designee for life in exchange for the donor’s transfer of a certain amount of cash or securities to the church.  The asset is an immediate tax deduction and a part of the income may be tax free.
  • Charitable Remainder Trust allows the donor to transfer appreciated assets to the trust and receive a charitable income or estate tax deduction.  The income is paid to an individual beneficiary for a term of years or until death at which time the assets are passed to St. James’s Endowment Fund free of estate taxes.
  • Charitable Lead Trust allows the donor to provide for the Endowment Fund for a predetermined number of years.  At the end of the period, the assets will pass to the donor’s designee at a reduced gift tax rate.
  • Retirement Plan Benefits and IRAs designating the St. James’s Endowment Fund, Incorporated as beneficiary will pass funds to the Endowment Fund free of income tax and estate tax

For more information about planned giving, contact Chip Woodson, Director of Stewardship and Development, 355-1779, ext. 335

February 03, 2010