Create a legacy through your planned giving.
Your love for the church is an important part of who you are, so you may be thinking about ways to express your faith well into the future. Planned giving is a wonderful way to extend your generosity beyond your lifetime and make a lasting impact in the life of the church you love.
If you are making arrangements to remember Disciples Church Extension Fund in your long-term giving plans, we would like to know! Please download and fill out our Heritage Society form, so we can acknowledge your generosity. Those who have designated DCEF as a beneficiary in a will, estate plan, or life-income gift are eligible to become members of the Heritage Society.
We also have several helpful tools available as you consider planning your legacy. Email or call 800.274.1883 to receive our estate and financial planning quiz, a Personal Financial Affairs Record booklet, or to speak with us about which planned giving opportunities are right for you.
Wills and Bequests
Your estate funds your legacy
Including a bequest provision in your will or revocable trust is one of the most popular (and well known) ways to leave a legacy of support. You may prefer to state a specific sum of money or a percentage of your estate that you wish to give Disciples Church Extension Fund. Whatever you plan to give, your bequest is not subject to federal estate taxes, and you will know that your generosity will help Disciples congregations thrive for generations.
There are numerous options for how you can designate your bequest — for general use or to support a specific area of DCEF’s services and mission. Some wish to establish permanent funds that honor a family name or individual. We are happy to help you discern which path best follows your passions for giving.
To assist you, here is suggested bequest wording to share with your attorney or estate planning professional:
Support without the establishment of a Permanent Fund
I give, devise, and bequeath to Disciples Church Extension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) located in Indianapolis, Indiana, ____ percent (%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate (or the sum of $___) to be used for the general support of the ministry (or for the support of _______ area of DCEF’s mission).
Support with the establishment of a Permanent Fund
I give, devise, and bequeath to Disciples Church Extension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) located in Indianapolis, Indiana, ____ percent (%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate (or the sum of $___) to establish the ___________ permanent fund in support of ____________.
If changed circumstances should at some future time make it impractical to continue using the income from the Fund for the purpose designated, Disciples Church Extension Fund may redesignate the purpose for which the Fund provides support, provided that the amended terms shall adhere as closely as possible to my original intent.
Life Income Gifts
Provide for your church and your family
Did you know that your gift can also provide you or your loved ones an income stream? Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts are popular options for many donors as they plan for the future. You will receive a tax deduction for the gift amount in the year you make it, and you will receive income for life or a specific number of years following the creation of your annuity or remainder trust. The remainder then comes to Disciples Church Extension Fund to support our ministry with congregations.
Gifts from Retirement Plans
Use your retirement plan to benefit your giving
Your retirement plan could be an excellent choice for funding a charitable gift, using assets held in IRAs, 401(k) plans, and 403(b) plans. Since retirement plans are often a significant portion of a household’s net worth, and because of special tax considerations, you may decide that your retirement plan is an ideal way to fund your giving. We are happy to help you think through your options!
If you would like to learn more about using your IRA with Disciples Church Extension Fund to make a charitable gift, find more information here.
“I believe in the mission of Disciples Church Extension Fund and I don’t want to wait until I die for my support to be realized. When I had the privilege of serving on this board, I was blessed to work with colleagues of great vision and integrity. I am proud to join so many others in supporting this vital ministry.”
Rev. Nancy Brink
Orange, CA