Planned Giving: What is a Planned Gift?

Are you thinking about planned giving but still have some questions? Are you wondering, “What is a planned gift, anyway?” We’re here to help.

Find out more and start your planned giving today.

What is a planned gift?

Planned Giving is a way to give gifts that are more complex or take longer to mature than a cash, check or credit card donation. It is sometimes called gift planning, legacy or estate giving, or deferred giving. Common types of planned gifts include:

• Life Insurance
• Property
• Personal Property
• Appreciated Securities
• Retirement

Why give a planned gift?

Planning a gift often lets you make bigger gifts than you may have thought possible. There are other benefits as well: some gifts lead to considerable tax savings, some gifts provide extra income for you or loved ones, and some gifts can be made to honor people important to you. (Some can do all of these!). Whatever kind of giving strategy you use, you are choosing to maximize your gift to do the most good.

Additionally, a planned gift allows you to make a deeper impact for a cause you care about. Having been active in the ministry for more than 20 years, Fuller professor and recent Lifewater Board Member Dr. Jeff Bjorck is a passionate advocate for planned giving in partnership with Lifewater.

“We have found a real peace of mind and sense of satisfaction knowing that—whether God calls us Home tomorrow or 40 years from now—the resources He has given us will continue to work for the Kingdom of God through the future ministry of Lifewater,” says Dr. Jeff Bjorck.

How do I start?

The best way to get started is to download our free Planned Giving eBook, which will allow you to do three things:

• Get answers to your planned giving questions and discover benefits
• Find out which types of assets can be donated through planned giving
• Learn how to choose a charity and start your own legacy gift plan

“I am absolutely convinced that investing in Lifewater will be one of the greatest decisions you will ever make,” says Jeff. “After all, Jesus said, ‘Whenever you’ve done it to the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you’ve done it unto me.’”