I'm the Stewardship chair at my church and am considering giving a presentation on ways that our members can give to the church once they have passed away. Here is what ChatGPT came up with:
Church Legacy Giving Presentation
Slide 1: Title
Legacy Giving: Leaving a Lasting Impact
Your Church Name
Date
Speaker Notes:
Good [morning/afternoon/evening], and thank you for taking the time to be here. Today we’re going to explore legacy giving—what it is, why it matters, and how each of us has the opportunity to leave a lasting spiritual and financial impact on the future of our church. This is not just about finances—it’s about faith, stewardship, and ensuring that the ministry we love continues for generations we may never meet.
Slide 2: What is Legacy Giving?
Planned gifts arranged during a donor’s lifetime
Often realized after death
Allows members to support the church’s future mission
Can provide financial, tax, and estate planning benefits
Speaker Notes:
Legacy giving, also called planned giving, involves making intentional arrangements now for a future gift. These gifts are often included in wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations. While many legacy gifts are realized after a donor passes away, some provide benefits during life as well. Importantly, these gifts can often be structured in ways that align with a person’s financial goals, sometimes offering tax advantages or income streams. It’s about being thoughtful and strategic with the blessings we’ve been given.
Slide 3: Why Legacy Giving Matters
Sustains long-term ministry and outreach
Builds financial stability for future generations
Creates a lasting spiritual legacy
Honors faith, values, and stewardship
Speaker Notes:
Churches often operate year-to-year, but legacy giving allows us to think decades ahead. These gifts can support future pastors, ministries, missions, and outreach efforts. They provide stability during uncertain times and allow the church to plan boldly rather than just react. On a personal level, legacy giving reflects our faith—it’s a way of saying that God’s work matters not just in our lifetime, but beyond it.
Slide 4: Outright Gifts
Immediate donations of cash, securities, or property
Simple and direct way to give
May provide immediate tax benefits
Examples:
Cash donations
Stock transfers
Real estate gifts
Speaker Notes:
Outright gifts are the most straightforward form of giving. These are gifts made today that the church can use immediately. While they are not always thought of as “legacy gifts,” they can play an important role in a broader giving plan. Donating appreciated assets like stocks can be especially beneficial, as donors may avoid capital gains taxes while still receiving a charitable deduction. Real estate gifts can also be transformative for a church if managed wisely.
Slide 5: Bequests
Gifts made through a will or trust
Most common form of legacy giving
Flexible—can be changed anytime
Types of bequests:
Speaker Notes:
Bequests are the most popular form of legacy giving because they are simple and flexible. A donor can include the church in their will or trust and revise those plans at any time. There are several ways to structure a bequest: a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of the estate, or a residual gift, which is what remains after all other obligations are met. Many people choose a percentage because it adjusts naturally over time as the estate grows or changes.
Slide 6: Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
Donor places assets into a trust
Receives income for life or set term
Remaining assets go to the church
Benefits:
Income stream
Potential tax advantages
Speaker Notes:
A charitable remainder trust is a more advanced giving option. The donor transfers assets—often appreciated assets—into a trust. In return, they receive income for life or for a specified number of years. When the trust term ends, the remaining assets go to the church. This can be especially appealing for donors who want to convert assets into income while also making a significant future gift. It can also help reduce capital gains taxes and provide a charitable deduction.
Slide 7: Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)
Church receives income for a period of time
Remaining assets return to donor or heirs
Useful for estate and tax planning
Can reduce gift and estate taxes
Speaker Notes:
A charitable lead trust works in the opposite way of a remainder trust. The church receives income first for a set period of time. After that period, the remaining assets go back to the donor’s heirs. This can be a very effective estate planning strategy for individuals who want to support the church now while also transferring wealth to their family in a tax-efficient way. It’s often used by those with larger estates.
Slide 8: Life Insurance Gifts
Speaker Notes:
Life insurance is a powerful and often underutilized giving tool. A donor can name the church as a beneficiary of a policy, which costs nothing today but creates a meaningful future gift. Alternatively, a donor can transfer ownership of a policy to the church, which may provide immediate tax benefits. This option allows individuals to make a larger impact than they might otherwise be able to with current assets.
Slide 9: Donor-Named Endowment Fund
Permanent fund where principal is invested
Only earnings are used for ministry
Named in honor of donor or loved one
Provides ongoing, perpetual support
Speaker Notes:
An endowment fund is designed to last forever. The original gift—the principal—is invested, and only a portion of the earnings is used each year. This creates a steady, reliable source of income for the church. Donors often appreciate the opportunity to name an endowment fund in honor of themselves, their family, or a loved one. It’s a way to create a lasting legacy that continues to support ministry year after year.
Slide 10: Charitable Gift Annuity
Donor makes a gift and receives fixed payments for life
Remaining funds go to the church
Combines giving with income security
Attractive for older donors
Speaker Notes:
A charitable gift annuity is a simple agreement between the donor and the church. The donor makes a gift, and in return, the church provides fixed payments for the rest of the donor’s life. These payments are often partially tax-free and provide predictable income. After the donor’s lifetime, the remaining funds support the church. This option is especially attractive to retirees who want both financial stability and a way to give.
Slide 11: Additional Legacy Giving Options
Retirement Assets (IRA, 401k beneficiaries)
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Real Estate with retained life estate
Gifts of appreciated assets
Speaker Notes:
There are several additional ways to give that can be very effective. Retirement accounts are often heavily taxed when passed to heirs, but naming a church as a beneficiary can avoid those taxes entirely. Donor-advised funds allow individuals to recommend grants over time. A retained life estate allows a donor to give their home while continuing to live in it. Appreciated assets, like stocks, can be donated to avoid capital gains taxes while still receiving a deduction.
Slide 12: Benefits to Donors
Speaker Notes:
Legacy giving is not just beneficial to the church—it also helps donors achieve their personal goals. It allows them to align their giving with their faith and values, potentially reduce taxes, and create a plan that supports both their family and their church. It’s about thoughtful stewardship and making intentional decisions about the future.
Slide 13: Benefits to the Church
Long-term financial sustainability
Ability to expand ministries
Strengthens future mission impact
Encourages a culture of stewardship
Speaker Notes:
For the church, legacy gifts provide stability and vision. They allow leadership to plan for the future with confidence, invest in new ministries, and respond to opportunities for outreach. Over time, a strong legacy giving program can transform a church’s ability to serve its community and fulfill its mission.
Slide 14: How to Get Started
Pray and consider your legacy
Consult financial and legal advisors
Speak with church leadership
Document your intentions
Speaker Notes:
Getting started with legacy giving begins with reflection and prayer. Consider what kind of impact you want to leave. Then, consult with trusted financial and legal advisors to explore the best options for your situation. Finally, communicate your intentions with the church so they can honor your wishes and plan accordingly.
Slide 15: Call to Action
Make a lasting difference today for tomorrow’s church
Speaker Notes:
We invite you to take the next step. Whether that’s simply having a conversation, asking questions, or beginning to put a plan in place, we are here to help. Legacy giving is a journey, and every step matters.
Slide 16: Scripture Inspiration (Optional)
Speaker Notes:
These verses remind us that giving is deeply spiritual. It reflects trust, obedience, and generosity. Legacy giving is one way we can live out these principles in a lasting and meaningful way.
Slide 17: Thank You
Thank you for your faith, generosity, and vision for the future.
Speaker Notes:
Thank you again for your time and attention. Your willingness to consider legacy giving is a powerful testament to your faith and commitment. What we do today can shape the church for generations to come.
Slide 18: Frequently Asked Questions
Speaker Notes:
At this point, it’s natural to have questions. Legacy giving can feel complex, but most options are more flexible and accessible than people expect. Let’s walk through some of the most common questions people ask.
Q1: Do I need to be wealthy to make a legacy gift?
Absolutely not. Legacy giving is for everyone. Even a small percentage of an estate or a modest gift can make a meaningful impact over time.
Q2: Can I change my mind after setting up a legacy gift?
Yes. Most legacy gifts—especially bequests—are completely revocable and can be updated at any time as your circumstances change.
Q3: Will this affect what I leave to my family?
It doesn’t have to. Many people structure their giving so they can provide for both their family and their church. Some tools are specifically designed to do both.
Q4: Are there tax benefits to legacy giving?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the type of gift, donors may receive income tax deductions, reduce capital gains taxes, or lower estate taxes. It’s always best to consult a financial advisor for specifics.
Q5: What is the easiest way to get started?
For most people, starting with a simple bequest in a will is the easiest and most flexible option.
Q6: Do I need a lawyer or financial advisor?
For some gifts, yes. Simple bequests can be added to a will with basic legal help, while more complex options like trusts should involve professional guidance.
Q7: Can I designate how my gift will be used?
Yes. You can often specify whether your gift supports general ministry, missions, building funds, or a specific purpose. It’s wise to discuss this with church leadership.
Q8: How will the church manage my gift?
The church is committed to stewarding all gifts responsibly, with transparency and accountability. Endowments and major gifts are typically managed with long-term sustainability in mind.
Q9: What if I already have a will—can I still include the church?
Yes. You can add the church through a simple amendment called a codicil, without rewriting your entire will.
Q10: Should I tell the church about my plans?
While it’s not required, it is very helpful. Sharing your intentions allows the church to plan wisely and honor your wishes appropriately.
Slide 19: Final Encouragement
Speaker Notes:
Legacy giving is ultimately about faith and vision. It’s about trusting God not only with our present, but with our future. Each gift—no matter the size—is a step of faith that helps ensure the church continues to thrive and serve for generations to come. Thank you again for considering how you can be part of that lasting legacy.
