For generations, members and alums of The Chapel of Saint John the Divine have offered thanks for the faithfulness and fellowship they have found in this congregation. By remembering the church “at the end of their days,” they have helped to sustain our ministries.
Gift in Your Will
Perhaps the simplest way to remember The Chapel of Saint John the Divine in your planned giving is through a bequest in your will. Almost any kind of gift you might leave to a family member or beloved friend—gifts of cash, stocks, mutual funds, life insurance, retirement funds, annuities and trusts—may also be left to the church.
More than half of all Americans (including nearly 80% of adults under age 35) do not have a will. If you die intestate, your assets will be apportioned according to state law—which may or may not conform with your wishes. By making a will, you help provide for the people and places who mean the most to you.
Gift of Assets
Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, savings accounts and other assets are also potential avenues of providing for the church.
A life insurance policy that is no longer needed for your family’s security may be given to The Chapel of Saint John the Divine. You may name the church as a contingent beneficiary of an existing policy, or you may purchase a new policy and designate the church as the owner and beneficiary.
You may also designate the church as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or Individual Retirement Account (IRA). And if you have savings accounts, annuities or certificates of deposit, you might consider naming the church as beneficiary when assets are released after your death.
In addition to supporting the church, each of these avenues may provide meaningful tax benefits for you. We encourage you to speak with your attorney or financial adviser to determine how you can take advantage of any of these options.
Life Income Gifts
There are a number of ways you can make a gift to The Chapel of Saint John the Divine and provide income for yourself or a family member at the same time.
A Charitable Gift Annuity is a contractual agreement in which you or a beneficiary will be paid a fixed payment for life in exchange for your irrevocable gifts of cash, securities or other assets to The Chapel of Saint John the Divine.
A Charitable Remainder Trust is an irrevocable trust in which you or a beneficiary will be paid either a fixed or variable payment for life or a certain number of years in exchange for your irrevocable gifts, after which the remaining assets pass to The Chapel of Saint John the Divine.
In a Pooled Income Fund, your gifts are pooled with others and invested in a professionally managed portfolio. You or your beneficiary receive a guaranteed, lifetime income based on your share of the pool. The church would receive any assets remaining following your death or the death of the beneficiary.
Life income gifts often provide tax advantages and other benefits. A qualified financial adviser can help you determine which type of life income gift is your best option and guide you through the process.
We invite you to join us!
