There’s an old proverb that says a community grows strong when people plant trees whose shade they will never sit in. Every Sunday, we worship in a church that was built, repaired, and sustained by people who gave generously and never saw all the fruit. Legacy giving is our chance to do the same for those who come after us.

What is planned giving?

A planned (or “estate”) gift is a future gift you arrange today as part of your financial or estate plan. It lets you support BUMC beyond your lifetime, and often uses non-cash assets rather than cash.  It is a final act of stewardship that says, “What God has given me will continue God’s work.”

As our Vision Campaign begins, legacy gifts help the church plan for long-term ministry, which is essential to everything the Vision is about. We don’t want to show up with a big loud bang and then trail off. We want to keep saturating the community with connection and belonging, year after year, decade after decade. 

Ways to leave a legacy

• Bequests (the most common): Include Brecksville United Methodist Church in your will or trust as a percentage of your estate, a specific dollar amount, or what remains after other gifts. You can update it anytime.
• Beneficiary designations: Name the church as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or investment account (TOD/POD). This is usually a simple form from your provider, with no attorney required.
• Appreciated assets: Give stocks, mutual funds, or real estate. You generally avoid capital gains tax on the growth and may receive a deduction for the full fair market value.
• Charitable gift annuities: Make a gift and receive fixed income for life, with the remainder going to the church. It’s generosity and income security in one.
• Charitable remainder trusts: Income is paid to you or your beneficiaries, and the remainder goes to the church. These are often a good fit for larger or more complex estates.

Good for your family, too.  

Charitable gifts may reduce your current taxable income, and gifts of appreciated assets avoid capital gains tax. For larger estates, charitable gifts can lower the taxable value of the estate, so more goes to ministry and less goes to taxes, while your family is still provided for.

Retirement accounts deserve a special mention. When heirs inherit an IRA or 401(k), they typically owe income tax on what they withdraw. The church does not. Leaving retirement funds to Brecksville UMC and other assets to your loved ones can mean more for everyone.

Getting started is easier than you think

1. Decide what you want your legacy to be.
2. Choose an asset or a portion of your estate.
3. Talk with your attorney or financial advisor.
4. Document your gift in your will, trust, or beneficiary form.
5. Let us know! (It’s optional, but it helps us plan and gives us the chance to say thank you.)

Clearing up a few myths

• “Planned giving is only for the wealthy.” Not true! A gift of any size, even a small percentage, makes a lasting difference.
• “It’s complicated.” Many options take nothing more than a single form.
• “I’ll lose access to my money.” Most planned gifts are fulfilled after your lifetime, so you keep full use of your assets now.

Beyond the practical benefits, a legacy gift offers peace of mind, models generosity for your children and grandchildren, and leaves a lasting testimony of your faith.

When naming the church in your plans, please use our legal name, Brecksville United Methodist Church, 65 Public Square, Brecksville, OH 44141, Tax ID [34-600-4043]. If you’ve already included Brecksville UMC in your plans, or would like to talk through your options confidentially, please reach out to Shannon Kantorowski, stop by the office, send an email or call 440-526-8938. 

This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Please consult your own advisor about your situation.