Ways to Give

Gifts come in many ways and sizes.

There are many ways to make a significant gift to ministry.
Outright Gifts


Cash
Make an impact on ministry today and maximize your charitable deduction.  Give by check or by credit card.
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Online
ELCA Good Gifts make a difference in the world in very tangible ways—combating hunger, providing disaster relief, sharing the gospel, nurturing leaders, and supporting global ministries.  Explore ELCA Good Gifts

Appreciated Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, and mutual funds) can allow you to take a deduction for the current market value on the date of the gift and avoid capital gains tax.
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Real Estate
Gifts of real estate will allow you to receive the maximum tax deduction allowed by law, bypass capital gain tax, provide you an opportunity to establish a gift that provides an income for life, and make a substantial donation to your favorite ministry.
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Planned Gifts


The ELCA Foundation's nationwide network of professional gift planning staff are available to help you fulfill your legacy goals through charitable planning.

Bequests (Wills & Trusts)
A bequest provision in your will or trust will allow you make a significant gift to ministry without reducing your current income.
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Life Insurance
By changing the beneficiary of your policy, you can make a gift to ministry. Or, transfer the ownership of the cash value life insurance policy.
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Qualified Retirement Plans (IRA, Keogh, 401k, 403b)
Your qualified retirement plan can provide a significant gift to ministry.
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Life Income Agreements
Life income agreements are available for people who want to make an irrevocable gift that will benefit ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America after their death. These agreements allow the donors to retain an income interest during their lifetime or for a term of years. The ELCA Foundation administers a wide variety of life income agreements that are in compliance with federal laws and state regulations that govern the issuance and administration of these agreements.
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Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity can provide income for life and then support your favorite ministry. Deferred gift annuities allow you the option to make the gift today and receive the annuity later in life.
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Charitable Remainder Trusts
These gifts allow you to make a substantial gift and receive income from the trust. Choose from a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust, or a Testamentary Charitable Remainder Unitrust depending on your situation and goals.
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The examples and information on this page are for illustrative and educational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor before proceeding with your estate plan. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, via the ELCA Foundation, does not offer charitable gift annuities to any persons in the states of Arkansas and Washington.