Planned Giving and Estate Donations

We believe that generosity is a powerful expression of faith, and we are deeply grateful for the many ways our members contribute to the work of the Lord. Planned giving is a special way to make a lasting impact, allowing you to support our mission while also achieving your financial and charitable goals. Whether you’re considering a gift through your estate or a donation of appreciated assets, there are several strategies that can benefit both you and the church. These planned giving options are designed to help you transfer assets in a tax-efficient manner, ensuring that your generosity has the maximum impact.

Ways to Give

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from Retirement Accounts

Individuals aged 70½ or older can transfer up to $100,000 annually directly from their IRA to a qualified charity like Cornerstone Church. This transfer counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) but is not included in your taxable income, providing a tax-efficient way to support our mission.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

A DAF is a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations. You can contribute cash, securities, or other assets to the fund and then recommend grants to Cornerstone Church over time. This allows you to maximize your tax benefits while supporting the church at your own pace.

Personal and Family Foundations

Establishing a personal or family foundation provides a way to create a lasting legacy while supporting the causes you care about most. You can direct your foundation to make grants to Cornerstone Church and other charities of your choosing, providing ongoing support for our mission.

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

A CRT allows you to provide income to yourself or others for life or a term of years, with the remainder going to Cornerstone Church. This strategy provides an immediate income tax deduction and can help avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets.

Appreciated Assets

Donating appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. By donating these assets directly to Cornerstone Church, you can avoid capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the assets.

Bequests and Estate Gifts

Including Cornerstone Church in your will or living trust is a simple way to make a significant impact. You can specify a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to be donated to the church. This allows you to continue supporting the church's mission beyond your lifetime.

Benefits of Planned Giving

Tax Efficiency: Many planned giving strategies allow you to minimize taxes, making your donation go further.
Flexibility: Planned giving can be tailored to your financial situation, allowing you to support Cornerstone Church in a way that aligns with your goals.
Legacy: Your gift can create a lasting legacy, ensuring that Cornerstone Church continues to thrive for generations to come.

Get Started Today

If you are interested in learning more about planned giving options, or if you would like to discuss the best strategy for your situation, please contact us at 847-724-7277 or [email protected] and we will connect you with our Treasurer. We are here to help you make a lasting impact through your generosity.

Disclaimer

The information provided by Cornerstone Church is for general informational purposes only. All information on our website, in our communications, and in any materials, we distribute is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information.
 
Under no circumstances shall Cornerstone Church, its officers, directors, employees, or volunteers be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the information provided. This includes, but is not limited to, any loss or damage in the nature of financial loss, legal consequences, or any other potential outcomes.
 
Cornerstone Church does not provide financial, legal, or other professional advice. The information provided should not be construed as professional advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We strongly recommend that you seek advice from a qualified professional who is familiar with your specific situation before making any financial or legal decisions.
 
By making a donation of any kind, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cornerstone Church, its officers, directors, employees, and volunteers from all claims, demands, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or in connection with your use of the information provided.
 
If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact us at [email protected].