Use a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an IRA
Persons who have attained the age of 72 may direct any amount (up to a maximum of $100,000 by IRS regulation) per year from an IRA directly to a qualified charity, such as Grace Lutheran, without having to pay income taxes on the money.
Why Consider This Gift?
- Beginning in the year you or someone you know is 72, a gift to satisfy all or part of a required minimum distribution (RMD) or more can be used to benefit charitable causes.
- The IRA owner pays no income taxes on the gift.
How does one facilitate an IRA Charitable Rollover?
- Contact the IRA administrator and express a desire to direct the RMD or designated amount to Grace.
- Follow the administrator’s process.
- Notify the congregation’s treasurer, in writing (letter or email), to identify the source of the gift and how it is to be used: i.e., the general fund or a specific appeal. Provide the name of the financial institution processing the gift.
Note: By directing a distribution from an IRA, the individual, does not receive personal credit since the “funds” are not flowing through one’s bank account; however, one does not pay taxes on the amount of gift and the congregation’s ministry benefits.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Members of Thrivent may direct “Choice Dollars” to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church or Grace Lutheran Preschool. Speak with your Thrivent representative or visit www.thrivent.com to make an additional impact in ministry at Grace.
Remember Grace in Your Estate Plans
Your Will. By including this simple or similar phrase, with the help of an attorney you can direct a portion of your estate to Grace: I direct ___% of my estate to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 26 West Boscawen Street, Winchester, VA, a 501-C-3 organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Beneficiary Designations. Direct a percentage of retirement accounts to the congregation using the full name and address of the congregation.
Trusts. Likewise, the congregation can be identified as an income beneficiary of a trust. Consult your attorney in fulfilling this arrangement.
Finally, inform heirs of your decision to include Grace or other charitable organizations in your estate plans. This builds support for your wishes and eliminates surprise.