SERVICES

Gift Planning is the process of setting up a plan for the distribution of assets during one’s life and/or after the Lord calls this person home. When established and regularly reviewed, the recipients of a gift plan often include family and loved ones, as well as favorite ministries/charities. However, when not properly developed, a gift plan too often does not reflect the desires and goals of the individual.

Gift Planning Services of LCEF is a ministry that is provided to LCEF investors/supporters as well as congregations that utilize various LCEF services. Consultation is free to individuals who wish to implement a gift plan, regardless of who the designated beneficiaries might be. Congregations can also make use of Gift Planning Services to set up endowment funds and help promote the Stewardship of Assets among its members. Gift Planning Services is provided in conjunction with the LCMS Foundation.

LCEF wants to make a difference in God’s Kingdom. By offering Gift Planning Services, LCEF is helping God’s people reflect on their blessings. As a result, LCEF helps those who wish to use their assets in support of ministry. In addition, LCEF aids churches and schools in developing and growing their own gift planning programs.

“Gifting” is directly relinquishing the ownership of an an asset by transferring it to a ministry, charity or an individual. An individual receives a charitable tax deduction in return for implementing a gift for the benefit of a ministry or charity. Gifting can take place in the form of irrevocable or revocable gift designations. Conversely, “investing” is allowing an entity, such as LCEF, to use an asset for a period of time to further “The Great Commission.” An individual receives a return on the investment while retaining the right to “pull back” or withdraw his/her investment at some future time.

LCEF offers Gift Planning Services to assist those individuals and organizations that desire to put their financial blessings to work for ministry for generations to come. A Gift Planning Counselor is able to provide empathetic insight and understanding to the sometimes complex process of developing a gift plan. Furthermore, the counselor can coordinate the services of advisors/professionals in setting up a gift plan. In essence, the Gift Planning Counselor is an advocate for the individual as the gifting process takes shape to achieve desired goals and objectives.

We often hear of “stewardship of income” as addressed in stewardship programs at churches. This concept addresses giving back to the Lord a percentage/portion of our income. Not that familiar is the term “stewardship of assets.” This concept addresses the care and distribution of assets during one’s life as well as after the person has gone to his/her Lord. Along with determining the amount and manner in which to remember loved ones, it is possible through gift planning to designate a percentage/portion of assets to the Lord’s work as well.

Using the analogy of apples and apple trees, there are three general categories of gifts:

• Give the Tree and Give the Fruit

  This gift category involves giving the asset and the income derived from the asset.

• Give the Tree and Keep the Fruit

  This gift category involves giving the asset but retaining the income from the asset.

• Give the Fruit and Keep the Tree

  This gift category involves giving the income from the asset but retaining the asset.

First and foremost, the donor will have the personal satisfaction of making a difference for ministry. Often, a gift plan will provide a donor a charitable tax deduction, which, depending on the type of gift, can provide savings against income or estate taxes. Some gifts may also provide a higher stream of income to the donor.

For more information about LCEF Gift Planning Services, fill out our contact us form or call 1-800-843-5233 any time between 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., CT, Monday through Friday.