Planned giving is a powerful tool for organizations aiming to secure a sustainable future through thoughtful, structured contributions. By enabling donors to align their values with their assets, planned giving offers a unique approach to supporting causes they care about. Whether through wills, trusts, or other creative arrangements, planned giving allows individuals to make lasting impacts while enjoying financial flexibility. This article delves into the nuances of planned giving, exploring its differences from major gifts, the tax advantages it provides, effective communication strategies, and practical steps for engaging donors. We’ll also examine the resources and tools necessary to build a successful planned giving program, ensuring your organization maximizes its potential to attract and retain committed supporters.

Understanding Planned Giving vs. Major Gifts

The Sacred Heart Church distinguishes between two approaches to philanthropy: planned giving and major gifts. Each approach serves unique purposes and aligns with different donor objectives.

Planned Giving

Planned giving involves making thoughtful arrangements for future contributions. Donors may establish endowments, donate appreciated assets, or include The Sacred Heart Church in their wills. This approach allows donors to support our mission in a sustainable way, often benefiting future generations. Key features include:

• Long-Term Impact: Contributions are strategically planned to create lasting legacies.
• Tax Benefits: Donors may enjoy financial advantages, such as deductions for gifts like stocks or real estate.
• Flexibility: Options include charitable remainder trusts, annuities, and bequests.

Major Gifts

Major gifts are substantial donations made immediately to address pressing needs or ambitious goals. These contributions often fund specific projects, such as constructing a new wing or acquiring property. Major gifts typically come from passionate donors who wish to make an immediate and significant impact.

• Immediate Impact: Donations directly address current challenges or opportunities.
• Variety of Gift Types: Options include cash, securities, real estate, and tangible personal property.
• Community Involvement: Major gift donors often become deeply involved in shaping our church’s future.

Both planned giving and major gifts play vital roles in supporting The Sacred Heart Church. Whether through long-term planning or immediate action, every contribution helps us fulfill our mission of nurturing faith and community.

Is a Bequest the Same as Planned Giving?

A bequest is a specific type of planned giving, but it is not the only one. Planned giving refers to the act of making arrangements now to donate assets to charity, either during your lifetime or after your death. A bequest is one of the most common forms of planned giving, typically involving leaving a specific gift or portion of your estate to a charitable organization through your will.

Key Differences:

• A bequest is a specific gift left in a will.
• Planned giving includes bequests and other methods like charitable annuities or donor-advised funds.
• Bequests are a part of planned giving but encompass a broader range of giving strategies.

At The Sacred Heart Church, we believe in the power of planned giving to create lasting impact. By considering a bequest or exploring other planned giving options, you can ensure your legacy supports our mission of nurturing faith, promoting spiritual growth, and building a compassionate community.

To learn more about how you can contribute to The Sacred Heart Church through planned giving, visit our planned giving page .

What Are the Tax Benefits of Planned Giving?

Planned giving offers significant tax advantages that can benefit donors and their estates. Here’s a breakdown of the key tax benefits:

• Charitable Deduction: When you donate appreciated assets such as stocks, real estate, or other tangible property, you can receive a charitable deduction equal to the full market value of the gift. This deduction reduces the taxable value of your estate and may lower your income tax bill.
• Capital Gains Tax Savings: By gifting appreciated assets, you bypass capital gains taxes. If the asset has increased in value since its purchase, you won’t pay taxes on that gain. This can save you a substantial amount in taxes compared to selling the asset and donating the proceeds.
• Estate Tax Benefits: In some cases, planned gifts can help reduce estate taxes. For example, irrevocable trusts like a Charitable Remainder Trust allow you to donate assets and potentially reduce the estate tax burden on your heirs.
• Retirement Account Benefits: Donating retirement account contributions, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, allows you to avoid paying taxes on withdrawals for charitable purposes. This can be particularly beneficial if you’ve already taken required minimum distributions (RMDs).

By utilizing planned giving, you can support causes you care about while enjoying financial benefits that align with your values. To learn more about how planned giving can work for you, visit our planned giving page .

How to Talk About Planned Giving

Planned giving is a thoughtful and strategic approach to supporting The Sacred Heart Church through future contributions, allowing you to leave a lasting legacy while benefiting yourself and your family.

Steps to Consider

• Understand Your Options: Explore various giving vehicles such as wills, trusts, annuities, or appreciated assets like stocks or real estate.
• Consult a Professional: Work with a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor to tailor a plan that fits your unique needs and goals.
• Set Clear Goals: Define your intentions, whether it’s supporting specific ministries, endowing scholarships, or ensuring the church’s future stability.
• Document Your Intentions: Create a formal plan that outlines your wishes and ensures they are carried out according to your desires.
• Communicate Your Vision: Share your passion for The Sacred Heart Church and the impact planned giving can have on its mission and community.

Why Plan Now?

Planned giving offers several advantages:

• Tax Benefits: Many planned gifts provide significant tax savings, helping you maximize your contribution while minimizing estate taxes.
• Legacy Building: Leave a lasting legacy that supports the church’s continued impact and growth.
• Community Connection: Feel a deeper connection to The Sacred Heart Church knowing your generosity will benefit future generations.

Competitors and Alternatives

While there may be other organizations offering similar services, The Sacred Heart Church stands apart due to its commitment to nurturing faith and community. Explore how other churches like Example Church and Another Church approach planned giving to see what resonates most with you.

Resources and Next Steps

For more information or to discuss planned giving opportunities, visit our Planned Giving Page . We’re here to guide you through the process and help you find the best fit for your philanthropic goals.

How to Ask for Donations Without Being Pushy

As members of The Sacred Heart Church, we understand the importance of thoughtful and respectful communication when seeking donations. Here’s how we can approach our requests in a manner that honors both our values and the kindness of our supporters:

• Align with Their Values:** Approach potential donors by highlighting how their contributions align with their own beliefs and interests. Emphasize causes that resonate with them personally.
• Be Personal and Specific:** Use personalized messages that acknowledge their past support or connection to our church. Clearly explain how their donation will be used, whether for missions, youth programs, or other specific initiatives.
• Use Positive Language:** Focus on the positive impact their gift will make rather than emphasizing the need. Frame the request as an opportunity to support something meaningful.
• Offer Multiple Donation Options:** Provide various ways to contribute, such as online giving, text donations, or sending a check. Make the process as simple and convenient as possible.
• Share Success Stories:** Highlight how previous donations have made a difference. Authentic stories of impact can inspire future contributions and strengthen relationships with donors.
• Respect Their Autonomy:** Always allow donors to choose how much they wish to contribute or opt out if they prefer not to donate at this time. This shows respect for their decision-making process.
• Keep Communication Timely and Relevant:** Send requests when individuals are most engaged with our mission, such as during holiday seasons or after significant events. Avoid overwhelming them with too many requests.
• Provide Regular Updates:** Share periodic updates on how their donations are being used. This keeps them informed and invested in the outcomes of their contributions.

By approaching donation requests thoughtfully and respectfully, we can foster lasting relationships with our supporters while ensuring our mission continues to thrive.

Identifying Planned Giving Prospects

To effectively identify planned giving prospects for The Sacred Heart Church, we can follow a strategic and organized approach:

• Engage Current Members:** Start by assessing the level of engagement among existing members. Those who are active volunteers or regularly involved in church activities may be more inclined to consider planned giving.
• Legacy Society Identification:** Identify individuals who have demonstrated significant support for the church. These members can be part of a legacy society, which encourages them to consider leaving a lasting gift.
• Demographic Targeting:** Focus on members who are older, as they may be more likely to engage in estate planning. Additionally, target those who have expressed interest in specific ministries or causes aligned with the church’s mission.
• Event Attendees:** Pay attention to attendees of special church events, such as galas or retreats. These individuals are often passionate about the church’s work and may be open to discussing planned giving.
• Donor Database Analysis:** Review the church’s donor database to identify individuals who have consistently supported the church through previous contributions. These donors may be prime candidates for planned giving.
• Social Media Engagement:** Monitor social media platforms for engaged followers. These individuals may be interested in learning more about planned giving and could potentially become advocates for the cause.
• Referral Networks:** Encourage current members to refer friends and family who they believe may be interested in planned giving. Referrals often lead to meaningful connections and potential donors.
• Resource Provision:** Create and distribute materials, such as estate planning guides, to educate potential prospects about the benefits of planned giving. This helps them understand the process and feel more prepared to take action.
• Collaborate with Advisors:** Network with financial planners or estate attorneys who can assist members in structuring their gifts. These professionals can provide valuable guidance and make the process more accessible.
• Stay Connected:** Maintain regular communication with prospective and current members through newsletters and updates. Keeping the church visible in their lives reinforces the importance of planned giving.

The Sacred Heart Church is dedicated to nurturing faith and building a supportive community. By implementing these strategies, we can identify and engage potential planned giving prospects, ensuring that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.