They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. 

—1 Timothy 6:18-19

In his instructions to Timothy on various aspects of ministry, Paul includes a word about those who are not poor:  “They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.”

Planned Giving lays a foundation for the future for all concerned, givers and receivers alike. Because of its importance to the overall financial health of Village Church, we thank all who remember Village Church with a planned gift by membership in the 1798 Stewards.  Each person’s generosity is very much appreciated and an example for all to follow.

We offer multiple ways in which Village Church may be included in your planned giving.

What is a Planned Gift?

A planned gift is one you make during your lifetime, but which benefits the Village Church after your death. Such a gift connects you to our vibrant faith community and family.  A bequest in your will or estate is the most common type of planned gift. Other types may contain benefits during your lifetime, such as:

• A charitable income tax deduction
• Tax savings on long term capital gains
• An attractive income for life with no management responsibilities
• An income for a surviving loved one after your death

Village Church offers the following types of planned gifts and corresponding benefits.

Wills and Bequests 
provide a very simple way to make a gift that will keep on giving after your lifetime.  Simple language is available to include the Village Church as a beneficiary in your will.

A Gift Annuity 
is a contract whereby you transfer assets such as cash or securities to the Village Church (through the UCC Foundation) in return for lifetime annual, semi-annual or quarterly payments of a fixed amount.  Thereafter your gift benefits the Village Church.  You are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction in the year you make the gift if you itemize your return, and part of your annuity payments may be tax free.  If you transfer appreciated securities to fund your gift, you may have significant capital gains tax savings.

Pooled Income Fund 
is a charitable trust (the UCC Foundation) in which your gift of cash and securities is combined with the gifts of other individuals and invested in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, the net income of which is distributed to you based on the number of units you hold. Upon death of the life income beneficiary, the value of your units is transferred to the Village Church.  You are entitled to a charitable income deduction in the year the gift is made if you itemize your return.  If you transfer appreciated securities into the Fund, you may have significant capital gains tax savings.

Charitable Remainder Trusts 
allow you to transfer cash, securities or other property into an irrevocable trust and receive lifetime income.  Upon your death, the principal will benefit the Village Church. With an Annuity Trust you direct that a fixed dollar amount be paid to you as long as you live.  With a Unitrust you can choose a flexible-income feature, specifying a percentage of the trust’s fair market value as determined annually.  Upon establishing a trust, you are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction, and you can realize savings on capital gains taxes if you use appreciated property to make your gift.

Life Insuarance 
Gifts of life insurance offer opportunities to make substantial charitable contributions.  If you have an existing life insurance policy you no longer need for family protection, you can give it to Village Church.  You simply change the beneficiary of the policy, or if you want a tax deduction, transfer ownership to the Village Church.

Critical Documents Every Family Needs

The Health Care Proxy sets forth your wishes and who may make a decision if life sustaining procedures are required.

The Power of Attorney authorizes a person to act on your behalf in the event of your incapacity or incompetence. 

The 15 Words is a template on how to leave a gift in your will to the Village Church.

HIPPA Form which permits release of health care information protected by privacy laws.

To receive a copy of these documents, please email developmentcommittee@wellesleyvillagechurch.org.