ELCA Foundation insights May 2020

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  Estate Plan  
Do I need an estate plan?
Thinking about estate plans can be scary and overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. As people of the resurrection, we know that death is not our final defeat and instead our ultimate victory is in Christ. We don’t need to avoid planning out of fear or complexity.

If you have any assets, you have an estate. And if you pass away without an estate plan in place, your state government will decide what to do with your assets. We want to help you be confident in the estate plan being your plan. For the last 30-plus years the ELCA Foundation has offered free estate-planning services that allow you to leave a legacy of generosity to your family and favorite ministries and charities.

  Where Do I Start  
Where do I start?
Our digital resources and nationwide network of regional gift planners are available, free of charge and with no obligation, for virtual meetings and phone calls to help you get started.

CONTACT US
  Contact  
Considering a charitable gift in your estate plan? Let us help.
Jesus helped the very least of these and asked us to do the same. Making a gift through your estate plan to support your favorite ministry is a wonderful way to make an impact, but is it set up correctly? Not all assets are created equal, and using the right assets to make your charitable gift can actually increase your donation to your favorite ministry and your family. Reach out to your regional gift planner to learn more about using your assets wisely. Find your regional gift planner.

  Charitable Annuity Gift  
New charitable gift annuity rates
The American Council on Charitable Gift Annuities has announced a change, lowering the rate of income payments for new charitable gift annuities (CGAs), effective July 1, 2020. Many donors find CGAs to be an effective tool in creating a charitable gift while also receiving a lifetime income through fixed-rate payments that are partially tax-free. After the last payment, the remaining account balance becomes a gift to be distributed to ministries as you direct. CGAs can be funded through cash or securities, and final payment can be directed to the ELCA congregations and charities of your choice. If you are considering a CGA, now is the time to learn more about how to lock in the higher rates before the changes go into effect on July 1. Find your regional gift planner.

  COVID response  
Ministry spotlight: COVID-19 Response Fund
Launched in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, the ELCA’s COVID-19 Response Fund supports the ministries of this church most in need and best positioned to make an impact. Your gifts support:
  • Congregations and local ministries serving communities that are disproportionately at risk from the pandemic, especially as it relates to health concerns, exposure risk and/or economic status.
  • The health, safety and well-being of leaders and church employees who are critical to carrying out the mission of this church.
  • Ministries around the world that provide people in poverty with health care, sanitation and hygiene supplies, clean water, food and shelter — resources critical to slowing the spread of this virus.
The needs are great. So are the opportunities. Support the ongoing work of the ELCA by giving now.

UPDATE: Endowment Fund Pooled Trust — Fund A
While we did not anticipate COVID-19 and its impact on the market, the ELCA Foundation is grateful for the proactive steps taken in the past several years to protect the portfolio of Fund A during adverse market conditions.

By adding alternate investments and adjusting target asset class allocations, we made moves that tend to reduce risk and volatility. As always, your investment is broadly diversified across asset classes, geographies and sectors. Built for the long haul, Fund A was designed to generate stable, quarterly distributions and preserve the purchasing power of your contributions.

Distributions for Fund A were set for 2020 and are expected to remain stable for 2020. For more information on Fund A’s quarterly performance, download the quarterly report.

ABOUT THE ENDOWMENT FUND POOLED TRUST
— FUND A:


Designed specifically for congregations, synods, seminaries and other affiliates of the ELCA, Fund A provides a socially responsible, collective, long-term investment option for endowments that support your ministry.
LEARN MORE
Meet your regional gift planner

Your regional gift planner is here to partner with you as you explore a variety of ways to love and serve our neighbors with your charitable giving. Regional gift planners provide expertise and guidance for individuals and congregations without cost or obligation. It is our ministry to be of service. Schedule a free meeting now!

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