Although outright gifts provide vital resources for St. Matthew's today, deferred gifts help insure the ministries of the church's future. Giving through estate plans or life income gifts may be particularly suitable for individuals who would like to provide significant support for St. Matthews but need income from their assets during their lifetime.

  • BEQUESTS BY WILL OR REVOCABLE "LIVING" TRUST
    The most common form of deferred or planned gift to support St. Matthew's is a bequest contained in a person’s will or revocable (“living”) trust. The following language is an example of how a bequest to benefit St. Matthew's may be worded:

    I give, devise and bequeath to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Chester Springs, PA, _____ percent of my residual estate to be used for _______________ (a specific ministry, program or unrestricted use).”

  • LIFE INCOME GIFTS
    Donors may receive numerous tax and financial benefits by creating a “life income gift,” such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. The donor makes an irrevocable contribution of assets to fund the trust or annuity, gets an immediate income tax deduction for part of the contribution’s value, and receives income for life or a term of between 1-20 years. When the trust or annuity term ends, the remaining assets can be directed to support ministries of St. Matthew's. For instructions on how to transfer cash, appreciated securities or other assets to fund a life income gift, you or your broker should contact St. Matthew's treasurer.

  • GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE
    A donor can name St. Matthew's as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a life insurance policy. If the donor retains any control over the policy, no income tax deduction is allowed. However, if St. Matthew's is named both the sole owner and the beneficiary of a paid up policy, the donor may receive an immediate charitable deduction for the lesser of the policy’s fair market value or the net premiums paid and additional premiums paid by the donor may also be tax deductible.

  • GIFTS OF RETIREMENT PLANS
    Naming St. Matthew's as a primary or contingent (after a spouse) beneficiary of a private pension fund (e.g. IRA, SEP, 401(k), 403(b)) can result in a “tax wise” testamentary gift because these assets do not receive favorable tax treatment at their owner’s death. In some cases, it is best to divide one retirement account into two separate accounts–one for the spouse and one for St. Matthew's. Your retirement account’s “plan administrator” (the company that manages the account) can help you designate St. Matthew's as a beneficiary on the plan’s “Beneficiary Designation” form (please copy St. Matthew's treasurer).

  • RETAINED LIFE ESTATE
    You may generate a current income tax deduction by giving a home or farm to St. Matthew's, while retaining the right to use the property during your lifetime. The property will also be removed from your taxable estate.

You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.