Giving to the Endowment Fund

There are many ways you can contribute to the Endowment Fund.    As you review the options below, note that some could be immediate while others could be through your estate.  The list is not all-inclusive, and some items may not pertain to your circumstances.   

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• Memorials

• Honoring Significant Life Events

• The “Other” Line on Your Offering Envelope

• August Mission of the Month / God’s Chosen Pool

• Bequest in an Estate Plan

• Trust

• Charitable Remainder Trust

• Donor Advised Fund

• Publicly Traded Security

• IRA, 401K, or 403B Plan

• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) and Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

• Life Insurance Plan

• Annuity

• Real Estate

 

Who can contribute to the Endowment Fund?

Atonement congregation members can certainly support the fund, but others are welcome to participate as well.  This includes Atonement School alumni and their families, businesses and philanthropic organizations, and anyone who wants to help build God's Kingdom through mission and ministry at Lutheran Church of the Atonement. 

 

Gift Size

Large gifts from estates and other sources are important to grow the Endowment Fund, and gifts of any size help, too.  For example, if you contribute $50 per year for 30 years, the $1,5000 you gave could be worth more than three times that amount ($4,550). 

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    * The values are based on an average annual growth rate of 7% 

 

Including the Endowment Fund in your estate plan is a great way to contribute significantly in the future.  You can also consider large gifts during your lifetime, including some that could decrease your taxes.  One option is to use a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).  The IRS specifies that you must withdraw a minimum amount from certain retirement accounts starting at a specified age.  You could withdraw funds from your retirement account(s) to satisfy the RMD for the year and give a portion to the Endowment Fund.  The money withdrawn might be counted as taxable income.  However, suppose you make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly to Atonement.  That might not be included in your taxable income but might be counted as some or all of the amount you must withdraw to satisfy the RMD requirement.  FYI – QCDs can also be used under certain conditions before you are required to start the annual RMDs.

 

You can learn more about RMDs and QCDs on the IRS website (www.irs.gov), including in Publication 509-B.  As with all financial decisions, consult your trusted advisor(s) to understand your options and consequences. 

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Please prayerfully consider how you might support the Endowment Fund now and in the future.

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The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious.

— Martin Luther

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