Setting up a Planned Gift for Mt. Olive

Basic Information on Planned Giving for Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING?
All of the assets we accumulate over a lifetime eventually end up being owned by someone else – your children, grandchildren, college, church, among others, and unless you specify how your estate is to be distributed in a will, the government will determine the distribution of your assets according to its rules and laws. But there is no reason to wait until the end of your life to make an Endowment or Trust Fund gift to Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School. For example, by giving a gift of stocks or bonds now you will be able to see and enjoy the impact of your gift enhancing Christ’s mission before that day arrives. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7) and a cheerful giver loves to see his gift in action.
There are also potential tax advantages to planned giving with opportunities to receive a long term income from your gift. In addition, you will have peace of mind knowing that your assets are being professionally managed. But most importantly there will be joy in your heart knowing that you helped advance Christ’s kingdom in this world!
WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT?
The Church Council and the Voters have established an Endowment Fund at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School with the purpose of providing a vehicle for members to gift assets of various kinds to Mount Olive to support and supplement on a long term basis the mission of the church and school.
Gifts are given to the Endowment Fundlonger-termed in longer term assets which generate income primarily in the form of interest, dividends, and/or capital gains. The income generated is then used to support the mission of the church and school; the principal is preserved in order that the income streams may continue for many years to come. Possible uses of the income streams include budgetary support for the general ministry of the church and school, evangelism programs, Christian education, and property maintenance, among others.
WHAT IS A TRUST FUND?
The Church Council and Voters also approved establishing a Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School Trust Fund.
The Trust Fund is a vehicle for gifts with a designated purpose where the intent of the donor is that both the income generated and the principal may be used for the purpose the donor established. It is different from a gift to the Endowment Fund where only the income generated may be spent; with a Trust Fund gift, the principal value of the gift and the income generated are to be used for the donor’s designated purpose within the time frame (if any) requested by the donor.
HOW ARE THE ENDOWMENT AND TRUST FUNDS TO BE MANAGED?
The authorizing resolution of the Church Council created a Planned Giving Committee to oversee the administration of the two funds. It reports to the Stewardship Committee, which in turn reports to the Church Council.
The gifts received for both funds are invested with the WELS Investment Funds. They report periodically on the earnings and complete the necessary legal requirements.
HOW DO I MAKE A GIFT?