Estate Stewardship

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Establish a Legacy Through Giving

The Louisiana Baptist Foundation can help you establish a gift that can provide the Gospel of Jesus Christ now and to future generations.

Estate planning is our specialty. We can show you how to give, leave a legacy, and establish the types of gifts that advance the Gospel.

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I
declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.
Psalm 71:18 NKJV

Importance Of Leaving A Legacy

As Believers in Christ, sharing our faith with our family and friends is important. We should also create a pattern of giving throughout our lifetime – and even beyond – that will continue to share the Gospel of Christ with generations to come.

The Louisiana Baptist Foundation was chartered in 1944 to encourage giving and assist with gifts to the churches and other entities associated with the Louisiana Baptist Convention and Southern Baptist Convention. We serve as a resource and assist individuals who desire to leave financial or tangible assets to their church or other Baptist ministry.

The staff of the Foundation offers information on estate stewardship through printed material, speaking engagements and workshops in local churches, and makes Louisiana Baptists aware of changes in the state and federal tax code that affect estate planning and giving.

Learn more about the Process of Estate Stewardship Planning

How To Give

Giving can take place in a variety of ways. Most often, donors engage in “Direct Gifts”
which is any gift made with cash, check or a personal item that does not require the
assistance of an advisor or professional.

However, donors often may provide a more substantial gift and can incur more personal
benefit by employing “Planned Gifts.”

Types of Planned Gifts

A gift to ministry that requires the assistance of a qualified advisor, professional or organization to complete gift.

Bequests

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Donor Advised Funds

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Charitable Gift Annuities

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Charitable Remainder Trusts

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IRA Rollover

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Beneficiary Designation

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Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and other gift scenarios offer income and tax benefits.

Our Planned Gifts Calculator can illustrate the advantages of these types of gifts.

What to Give

The type of asset given to support ministry can make a significant difference to
The donor. Although a gift of cash is normally easier it may not be best. Gifts of
Other asset types may provide greater tax benefits and can have less impact on
The donor’s cash flow. Remember, all charitable gifts are subject to the IRS tax
Code. Please consult a knowledgeable advisor when contributing to ministry.

Cash

The most common way to make an immediate gift is by writing a check or giving cash. This type of gift provides immediate liquidity for charity and generates a charitable income tax deduction for the donor in the year of the gift.

Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bonds

Giving securities may provide greater tax benefits than donating cash. If you have owned securities for more than one year and the fair market value has increased since you purchased them, you can avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value.

Real Estate

A gift of real estate that has appreciated in value and has been held for more than a year also has the advantage of providing you with a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value, as well as bypassing capital gains tax on the growth.

Insurance Policies

Naming a ministry as the beneficiary of an insurance policy is one of the easiest ways to make a charitable gift. You also may donate a permanent life insurance policy for the benefit of the organization. Your insurance agent can help with details.

Vehicles / Jewelry / Firearms / Other Personal Items

Certain personal items can be donated to charitable ministries provided there is a benefit to the organization. Gifts valued at $500 and above require substantiation to be deductible. Consult a trusted advisor.