Planned Giving Opportunities

Many people have discovered the joy of planned giving as a way of being responsible stewards of the blessings God has entrusted to them.

What is a planned gift?

A planned gift is one that benefits a charitable institution when this life is over for you. You may designate as recipient

the general funds of The Presbyterian Church in Canada (Presbyterians Sharing . . .)
sharing God's love with people in other countries through International Ministries and Presbyterian World Service and Development
new church development work and other ministries supported through Canada Ministries
a particular work of the church such as training of ministries, camping, mission societies, etc.
your own congregation

Also, you may spread your gift among several areas, indicating what percentage is to go where.

The most common planned gift is a bequest in a Will. There are other planned gifts that may provide

an attractive income for life with no management responsibilities
income with substantial tax savings
a charitable income-tax receipt
income for a loved one who survives you

Wills and Bequests more details

Wills and bequests provide a straightforward way to provide a gift that continues after your lifetime.

Types of bequests in your Will

a specific bequest, e.g. "I give to The Presbyterian Church in Canada all my shares in XYZ Company."
a general bequest, e.g. "I give to The Presbyterian Church in Canada the sum of $10,000 to be used for the general purposes of the Church."
a residual bequest, e.g. "I give to The Presbyterian Church in Canada 10% of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, to be used for the general purposes of the church."
a contingent beneficiary, e.g. "If my spouse predeceases me or dies within 30 days, then my entire estate is to go to The Presbyterian Church in Canada".

Any of these types of bequests can be designated for Presbyterians Sharing . . ., Canada Ministries, International Ministries, Presbyterian World Service & Development, colleges or camps, your own congregation, or any combination of these.

If you make a bequest, your estate is entitled to a tax receipt for the full value of the gift, reducing the taxes on the estate.

Charitable Gift Annuities more details

Another type of bequest is a charitable gift annuity, which provides a guaranteed income to you for life, and then a benefit to The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Some of its income is tax-exempt.
Single life gift annuities are available, or joint and survivor gift annuities (with spouse, brothers or sisters).
You can designate your gift for any work of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Because a gift annuity is not part of your estate, it cannot be contested.

Life Insurance more details

allows people to give larger gifts than might be possible otherwise
will not diminish the value of the estate if it's a new policy
may generate tax credits for you either for premiums paid or for the cash value of the policy

Residual Interest

Residual interest arrangements allow you to make a gift of property, though continuing to use it as long as you live. Such an arrangement provides

an immediate tax benefit when the gift is established
freedom to enjoy the property while knowing it will help others in the future

Such gifts may be a residence or cottage, land, coin or stamp collections, antiques, and works of art. Value is calculated by an actuary.

Gifts in kind

Gifts in kind are outright gifts that are not cash.

They may include

real estate
stocks and bonds
art or antiques
equipment
books
stamp and coin collections

Gifts in kind save a donor from the details of arranging for the sale of such items.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A charitable remainder trust is established when a donor transfers assets to The Presbyterian Church in Canada and receives a life-long income from the invested capital. Remaining capital goes to the Church on the death of the donor or at the end of an agreed-upon term. Such a trust provides

a tax receipt for the estimated value of the capital investment that will remain after the donor's death
guaranteed income for an agreed-upon time period
the option of having the Trustee Board of The Presbyterian Church in Canada as the trustee