Planned Giving

Planned gifts usually come from sources other than regular monthly income. They may be made in the form of bequests, trusts, gift annuities, life insurance or outright gifts. The following services will help you understand how we can assist you to make a planned gift.

Endowment Program

The Endowment Fund of your local United Methodist church is established for the purpose of providing members and friends the opportunity to make charitable gifts that will become a permanent source of financial support - a living memorial. The principal of all gifts to the Fund shall be restricted and the income only shall be used for the purposes specified by the donors, unless the terms of the gift contain a specific written authorization to expend principal. Gifts to this program can come from the sources described herein.

Resources:       

Checklist for a Church Endowment Policy

Sample Endowment Policy includes:

• Charter of the Permanent Endowment Fund

• A Resolution - Permanent Investment Fund Committee

• Endowment and Investment Policy - Statement of Purpose

• Note on Sustainable Income from an Investment Portfolio - Maximizing and stabilizing income while maintaining the purchasing power of your endowment

Wills Education

Education about wills enables members to understand why they need to plan ahead for the care of family and loved ones and may also serve to encourage gifts for the future ministry and mission of the church. An education program will include information and suggestions for action. Approximately 70% of all Americans die without a will. Many wills are outdated and fail to reflect changes in one's life, for example moving to a new state, births and deaths of family members. Most people overlook inclusion of a bequest for their local U.M. church or U.M. agency.

Personal Financial Planning

Personal financial planning is a cornerstone for stewardship of our personal assets. Financial planning is the process that helps you take better control over your financial assets and manage your money more successfully. The United Methodist Foundation of New England (UMFNE) believes the local church needs to encourage its members  and friends to take an active role in being good stewards of their personal assets. Once every two or three years, churches need to sponsor a seminar led by professionals to discuss financial and legal issues. UMFNE is willing to assist our churches in organizing such events.