Legacy Giving

If you are planning an investment in mission to Iran, you may not have considered legacy giving and the powerful blessing it can be.

A ‘today’ gift blesses us immediately. Whether it is cash, stock, real estate or any other security, the fruit can be immediately visible.

But a legacy gift is a future gift that will build the Kingdom far beyond your lifetime.

Legacy giving refers to donations that supporters plan to give to a nonprofit after their passing. It is also commonly referred to as planned giving as donors often plan these gifts years before they are distributed to the designated parties.

Legacy or planned giving can be monetary or in the form of assets or even a charitable annuity or trust.

The specifics of each gift is unique to you and can even include stipulations on the donation’s use. Legacy giving can support a nonprofit’s mission for years to come and honors the legacy of the donor who made the contribution.

While the benefit to the nonprofit is clear, there are benefits to the donors too, including the legacy of the donor and numerous tax benefits that participating can bring their families.

Legacy giving is set up with your lawyer and is tied in to your will. It can take on many forms. We would be honored if you would consider supporting mission to Iran in this way.

Examples of Legacy or Planned Giving

1. Will. This is your last legal document ensuring your possessions are distributed according to your wishes. In your will, as well as ensuring your loved ones are cared for, you are able to designate a gift to ministry (often referred to as a bequest).
2. Trust. This legal arrangement requires a trustee who will assume responsibilities of managing your assets after your passing. Trusts can take many forms (revocable and irrevocable, unitrusts, annuity trusts, charitable lead trusts) and are not subject to probate.
3. Non-Cash Gifts. Many non-cash asset can be given to support ministry. Donations are tax deductible. Examples include vehicles, gold jewelry and precious metals.
4. Stocks and Securities. When you give appreciated marketable stocks, bonds or mutual funds to a ministry, they would receive the fair market value of the securities. You may also avoid taxable capital gains tax on assets transferred.
5. Charitable Gifts Annuities. This allows you to designate a future gift to ministry whilst continuing to receive fixed payments from that gift either now or in the future. There are tax benefits for the year the gift is made and a portion of the payments may also be tax free.
6. Retirement Assets. These include tax-deferred retirement accounts, IRAs, 401(k)s, 301(b)s, and Keogh and pension plans. Any percentage of your retirement assets can be assigned to ministry. You can do this through your will or through beneficiary designations. Unlike naming individuals as beneficiaries of your traditional tax-deferred plan, naming charities will mean the recipient of your gift is not taxed.
7. Real Estate. Any type of marketable appreciated real estate can be donated to ministry.
8. Life Insurance. It is possible to add a ministry as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. You can also assign annual dividends to the ministry or simply donate the cash value of your policy.
9. Payable on Death Accounts. These work like trusts in that they are not subject to probate. Through you POD you are able to designate who will receive the balance of the funds in your bank account, certificate of deposit, pension, investment account or retirement fund upon your passing.

Legacy giving is a wonderful way to continue to bless a ministry beyond the time when the Lord calls you home. We appreciate your prayerful consideration.

If you are ready to consider this option, we would love to meet with you. Please contact your local Transform Iran office.