Legacy Giving

Impact Tomorrow, Today

What is Legacy Giving

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”

Matthew 6:19-21
New International Version

The Scriptures remind us that a Christian lives with eternity in view. We are not born for this life alone. Human beings were created in God’s image to enjoy a relationship with God forever. Rick Warren once said, “Our earthly life is dress rehearsal for eternity.” As a result, every tangible asset managed by a Christ-follower should be evaluated for both its potential earthy and eternal contribution to further God’s Kingdom.

A critical stewardship question for Christians involves our opportunity for investing God’s resources effectively beyond this earthly life. At Trinity we believe that extravagant generosity is one of the vital practices of a fruitful congregation. As we are faithful in this life with what belongs to God, should we not also consider how extravagant generosity might extend beyond our lifetime through wise estate planning?

Research indicates that less than 40 percent of Americans currently have a will. And far fewer make charitable contributions to their church or other faith-based ministries after death. Our Legacy Giving Team at Trinity has prepared a series of workshops (for all ages) in early 2017 designed to help us prepare for managing God’s resources with an eternal perspective.

Wills & Power of Attorney: Session 1

Life Insurance, Annuities, and Financial Planning : Session 2

Estate Planning : Session 3

Gift Acceptance Policy

General Principles 1. TUMC appreciates the spirit of giving inherent in each donor’s prospective gift and thanks each donor for their thoughts and intentions. 2. TUMC understands that many prospective donors might request additional guidance regarding prospective gifts and donations. 3. TUMC wishes to work to make all gifts possible, within the strictures of law and tax regulations. 4. TUMC wishes to make gifts, donations, and other resources available over time for the mission of the church. 5. TUMC wishes to honor the intent of the donor where possible. 6. TUMC wishes to protect the assets entrusted to it. Specific Policies 1. Unrestricted cash gifts will be accepted and acknowledged through the normal accounting procedures of Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC). Restricted or designated cash gifts to the general budget will be accepted upon approval of the Finance Committee. 2. The Trustees have absolute responsibility for accepting Memorials and Endowment gifts and establishing appropriate recognition procedures. Restricted or designated cash gifts of an endowment nature will be accepted upon approval of the Trustees. 3. Receipt of non-cash gifts will be the responsibility of the Trustees and must have their prior approval. Gifts of stock, various kinds of securities, insurance products, automobiles, furniture, jewelry, and other items of value must be unencumbered and given outright to TUMC. The Trustees reserve the right to refuse, or return, any gift determined to be unacceptable because of value, marketability, or any other reason deemed problematic to TUMC. All gifts of personal property have a cash value in excess of $1,000 and have approval of the Trustees. Prior to approval, the Trustees shall make a recommendation for accepting the personal property and may include a report including (but not limited to) the following: a. Current title and ownership information b. An independent qualified third-party appraisal c. A recommendation on marketability The Committee shall make the decision to keep or sell the property. 4. All non-cash gifts (except for real estate) may be liquidated by the Trustees at their discretion. Real estate gifts may be liquidated following procedures set out in the Book of Discipline. 5. All gifts of real property will be accepted at the discretion of the Trustees and also have a fair market value in excess of $5,000. Prior to approval, the Trustees shall make a recommendation for accepting the real estate and also may include a report on (but not limited to) the following recommended documents: a. Current title and ownership b. Current zoning c. Any and all restrictions d. Any existing encumbrances on the property e. An independent qualified third-party appraisal f. An environmental assessment (scope will be based on actual type of real estate) g. A recommendation on marketability Upon recommendation, the Trustees shall make the final decision whether to keep or sell the property. 6. All gifts will be acknowledged in a dated letter from a designated representative of the Church, as appropriate for the type of gift, which will include a description of the gift. There will be no appraisal, acknowledgement of appraisal, or determination of value offered in the acknowledgement process. The donor has sole responsibility to the Internal Revenue Service for identifying the value of any non-cash gift. 7. Publicly Traded Securities which are traded on the public stock exchanges shall be accepted by the Church. Gifts of securities to the fund should be done by electronic transfer whenever possible to avoid unnecessary expense and delays. 8. Closely Held Securities which are non-publicly traded can be accepted by the Trustees after reasonable due diligence has been completed. Gifts of closely held securities to the fund should be done by electronic transfer whenever possible to avoid unnecessary expense and delays. 9. The Trustees shall make the decision whether to accept and also to keep or to sell any such other property as it may deem to be in the best interests of the Church. 10. Any questions regarding this policy should be referred to the Trustees.

Bequest Language

I give, devise and bequeath unto Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika, Alabama, the sum of $ ____________, to have and to hold unto it, absolutely and in fee simple. I give, devise and bequeath unto Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika, Alabama, the sum of $ ____________, it being my desire, but not requirement, that this bequest be used for the purpose of _________, to have and to hold unto it, absolutely and in fee simple.

Memorial Fund Policy

Gifts to the Memorial Fund(s) are given in recognition of a person’s life or celebration of an event in a person’s life. When memorial gifts are received following the death of a member or constituent, family members will be contacted regarding the disbursement of funds. All Memorial Gifts shall be dispersed within twenty-four months of receipt. Options include: • Purchasing a specific item (A current project list will be provided by the Trustees) • Designating gifts towards any of the six funds below: • Facilities/New Building Growth • Children/Youth Ministries • Music Program • Adult Ministries • Missions • General Fund If the donated amount is less than the amount needed to cover the cost of the suggested item or ongoing maintenance of a suggested item is projected to be burdensome, the family will be contacted and given the option of covering the additional cost or suggesting another item. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Trustees.

Leaving a Legacy

Sample Bequeath Language

I give, devise and bequeath unto Trinity Church, Opelika, Alabama, the sum of the amount below to have and to hold unto it, absolutely and in fee simple. ________________. It being my desire, but not requirement, that this bequest be used for the purpose of the text below to have and to hold unto it, absolutely and in fee simple. ___________________ *

• To Be Deposited in*
• Facilities/New Building Growth
• Children/Youth Ministries
• Music Program
• Adult Ministries
• Missions
• General Fund

Please also include in your bequeath:

Name, address, date of your gift

For more information contact Mandee Wildman our financial secretary at (334) 745-2632

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