Planned Giving is a process that integrates the personal, financial, and estate planning goals of donors with their desire to create current or future financial gifts for charitable purposes. Some planned gift options, like Bequests, are very straightforward and are made by a designation in a Will or Trust. Others, like Charitable Gift Annuities, require additional planning and are designed to create present or future income streams for the donor or other beneficiaries, tax savings for the donor, and a legacy gift for the charity.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

A Charitable Bequest is a gift to charity at death. This is the most common type of planned gift and one of the easiest to implement. Almost anything of value can be left as a Bequest.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

A Charitable Beneficiary Transfer is a gift at death that allocates the remaining assets of financial accounts to charity by naming the charity as the beneficiary of the account.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

Yes. A Gift of Life Insurance may be given by naming a charity the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or by naming a charity as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

A Charitable Gift Annuity is created when a gift is given to a charity in exchange for fixed payments to the donor or other beneficiaries for life. These payments begin at the time that the gift is made to the charity.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

A Deferred Gift Annuity is created when a gift of cash or an appreciated asset is given to charity in exchange for fixed payments to the donor for life, with payments commencing at a determined future date.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

A Charitable Remainder Trust receives cash or property from a donor, makes payments to one or more named beneficiaries for life, and then distributes the remainder to charity.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

A Charitable Lead Trust receives cash or property from a donor, makes payments to a charity for a specified period of time, and then makes a tax-reduced or tax-free distribution of the remainder of the Trust to one or more designated beneficiaries.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

Through a Life Estate Reserved, a charity accepts a gift of real property from a donor, typically involving a personal residence or farm, and the donor retains the right to use the property for his or her lifetime.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

Yes. A Gift of Real Estate can be a significant investment in the work of your favorite charity. Gifts can be made while a donor is alive or as part of a Bequest defined in a Will or Trust.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

Yes. Gifts of Retirement Accounts provide meaningful legacy gifts to charity, as well as substantial estate tax benefits to the donor.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

An Annual Legacy Gift is a simple and effective method for donors to ensure the continuation of the faithful support they have generously given over the years. The creation of a Legacy Trust makes it possible for the charity to receive an annual gift from this Trust.

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

If you're unfamiliar with Estate Planning, you're not alone! Many people need help deciding how best to support their favorite charity while ensuring financial security for themselves and their heirs. The Fellowship has a trained staff of Planned Giving professionals ready to help you explore your options and get you started on developing your Estate Plan.

You can reach us by phone, email or mail:
Phone: 888-588-4325
Email: pg@ifcj.org
Mail: Planned Giving Department
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60602-3356

Download or request a copy of Planned Giving Ideas and Options>>

Planned giving is the “philanthropic” aspect of estate planning. Many people provide a final “legacy gift” for the ministries and causes they supported througout their lifetimes. In some cases, a planned gift can be the most significant gift because it comes at a time when all of your assets will be accounted for and distributed. Planned giving may also serve to provide tax benefits to your estate and can be beneficial in teaching the core value of “giving” to children and your other heirs.