Thank you for investigating the options and benefits of making a planned gift that will enable Southern Seminary to continue to train students for a lifetime of faithful gospel ministry. With a planned gift you can provide for loved ones, receive tax benefits, generate potential income and support Southern Seminary at the same time.
Bequest (Will/Living Trust)
This is one of the most fundamental and easiest ways you can leave a lasting impact on Southern Seminary. You make a gift in your will (or living trust) by designating Southern Seminary as the beneficiary of your asset(s).
Beneficiary Designation Gifts (After-Lifetime Gift)
You can designate Southern Seminary as a beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account, or of your life insurance policy. You benefit by being able to continue using your account as long as needed, while possibly reducing the tax burden on your family upon your death.
Charitable Gift Annuity (A Life Income Gift)
With a charitable gift annuity you transfer your cash or appreciated property to Southern Seminary in exchange for our promise to make fixed dollar payments for the lifetime of the donor or the person(s) you designate to receive the payments. Annuity rates are based on the age of the person(s) receiving the payments. The remainder of the annuity will be distributed to Southern Seminary.
Charitable Remainder Trusts (A Life Income Gift)
A charitable remainder trust enables you to receive income for life and avoid potential capital gains taxes, and provides you with a current charitable income tax deduction. The remainder of the trust will be distributed to Southern Seminary.
Charitable Lead Trust (A Life Income Gift)
You create a current stream of income for Southern Seminary for a specific number of years by transferring cash or property to fund a lead trust which distributes the income to Southern Seminary for a term of years. At the end of the trust term, the trust distributes the trust assets to the designated non-charitable beneficiaries, such as to your children.
Life Estate Reserved
You desire to give your home or property to Southern Seminary at your death, but retain the right to use the property during your life and receive a current charitable tax deduction.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities (Stocks and Bonds)
Donating long-term appreciated securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy and tax-effective way for you to make a gift to Southern Seminary. Making a gift of appreciated securities allows you to avoid potential capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction, in addition to making a significant gift to the seminary.
Gifts of Retirement Assets
Many retirement assets can be costly to inherit due to taxes, but they can be a smart and simple way to give. Donating part or all of your unused retirement assets such as a gift from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension, or other tax-deferred plan is an excellent way to make a gift to Southern Seminary.
IRA Charitable Rollover – If you are age 70 ½ or older, you may distribute up to $100,000 a year tax-free when given directly from your IRA to Southern Seminary. This charitable distribution counts toward your annual minimum required distribution and is not reported as taxable income on your tax return.
Gifts of Life Insurance
A gift of your life insurance policy is an excellent way to make a gift to Southern Seminary. Consider naming Southern Seminary as a beneficiary of your policy. If you have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose, consider making a gift of your insurance policy to Southern Seminary.
Gifts of Real Estate
Gifts of appreciated real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, or commercial property may be an option for you, while leaving a lasting legacy to Southern Seminary. Such gifts have attractive tax benefits. Real estate can be transferred to a charitable remainder trust to provide you with lifetime income.
Gifts of Cash
A gift of cash is a simple and easy way for you to make a current gift or a planned gift. Cash gifts allow you to make an immediate impact on our mission, while taking a charitable income tax deduction.
Begin to pray about God’s purposes for your assets – those resources that God has entrusted to you.
Southern Seminary has partnered with the Southern Baptist Foundation to provide you with the information you need to begin the process of planning your estate. Please access their site at www.sbfdn.org for many helpful resources.
Through our partnership with the Southern Baptist Foundation, we are able to offer estate planning and planned gift consultations AT NO COST TO YOU! Whether you are ready to begin the process or you just need some additional information, we are happy to assist. Please click HERE to fill out this form and someone from our office will follow-up with you shortly.
This information is not intended as legal, accounting, or other professional advice. For assistance in charitable planning, consult an attorney for legal advice or the services of a qualified professional.