Estate Plans – Through a will or trust document, you can provide a gift of cash, stock, real estate, or other property.  Or, consider designating a percentage of your estate (for example, a tithe of 10%), or naming your church as the "residuary beneficiary" to receive anything that is not already designated.  Such gifts to the church are a meaningful expression of faith for family and friends to remember and celebrate.  

Securities - Most gifts of appreciated securities that you have held long-term (more than one year) are fully deductible at current fair market value.  You do not incur a tax on unrealized capital gain, and your church can liquidate the stock without any capital gain tax incurred.  (For easy transfer of stock gifts benefiting any UM church or agency in Missouri, you can simply use the "pass through" service of the Foundation.  Click here for complete instructions.)

Charitable Gift Annuity – Especially attractive for persons over 60 years of age.  You receive a current income tax deduction and an annual fixed payment for life.  A gift annuity is simple and easy to create with a gift of cash or stock.  See our gift calculator for more information.  

Charitable Remainder Trusts – These gift arrangements are particularly useful for large gifts of appreciated assets (stocks and/or land). They provide tax savings and income.  See our gift calculator for more information.   

Insurance Policies – Old policies with current cash value make excellent current gifts - simply name the church as beneficiary and transfer ownership of the policy to the church.  Of course, any policy can name the church as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary so that a gift will be accomplished in the future.

Farm Products - Gifts of crops or livestock can be accomplished in a tax-efficient way.  Contact the Foundation for additional information. 

Retained Life Estate – Donate your home but retain the right to live in it for your lifetime.  This can generate a current income tax deduction and ensure that the transfer of the home is done without the expense of probate. 

Create your own endowment – You can create a permanent fund at the Foundation that will provide on-going support to your favorite church or UM ministry (ies).  Once the fund is created, additional gifts can be made to it at any time.  This can be a truly lasting legacy that will touch lives for the better far into the future. 

Create a Donor Advised Fund - This special form of endowment allows you and your family to stay actively involved in the charitable distribution of the endowment each year.