Planned Giving/Endowments

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"Giving away money is easy. Deciding to whom to give, how much, when and how is not." (Aristotle)

That is not the case with the members of the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara who established the Church's Endowment Fund several years ago, as well as those who have since made additional planned gifts. Because of their love of God and the Church, all of these generous individuals had visions of supporting the Church and its programs in perpetuity.

WHAT ARE PLANNED GIFTS?

Planned gifts usually are made from assets accumulated during one's lifetime. They can be funded by appreciated securities, cash, collectibles, insurance policies, real estate, retirement accounts or other assets.

The primary reason that a donor makes a gift to a charitable organization is because of a desire to support it. However, there are many other benefits that may accrue as well, such as:

Eliminating capital gains on long-term appreciated securities.
Providing an immediate tax deduction and maximum tax benefit.
Enjoy lifetime income when assets are donated in the form of a Charitable Remainder Trust, a Charitable Lead Trust or a Gift Annuity.
The ability to create a legacy for future generations.

Types of planned gifts include:

Endowment Funds - Donors can set up a fund and either stipulate specific program disbursement or that the fund be unrestricted and used for the general purposes of the church. Endowments carry the restriction that the principal (the original gift amount) must always be preserved, but the church is able to spend a portion of the income that is generated through the investment of the gift.

Charitable Gift Annuities - Deferred gifts which can provide fixed annual payments during the donor or donors' lifetimes. The residual value of the charitable gift annuity will pass to the charity upon passing of the donor.

Charitable Remainder Trusts - Deferred gifts which can provide lifetime income for the donor or donors with the remainder going to the charity at the trust's termination.

Charitable Lead Trusts - Current gifts which can provide a temporary income to the charity with the remainder of the trust assets returning to the donor or their heirs at the trust's termination.

Bequest - A specific amount, particular piece of property, and/or a percentage of an estate that is made as a provision in a will.

PLANNED GIFT CONSULTATION

As you review your personal estate plan from time to time, please consider including a gift to First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. Your legacy will help to insure the success of this revered organization for years to come. Our Planned Giving/Endowment Committee consists of professional individuals who are or have been involved in the financial community for a number of years and with whom you can feel assured will continue to monitor the Endowment Fund performance to insure its success.

If you would like more information about planned gifts, please contact the church office at (805) 963-3579.