What is Planned Giving?

Introduction

Welcome. We have created this portion of our website to introduce you to the concept of planned giving and provide you with an overview of giving strategies and benefits. The FAQs page answers a few of the most commonly asked questions about planned giving. You will find a glossary of terms and links to additional information in the Resources section.

We encourage you to visit with your financial advisor to explore planned giving options in detail. A list of financial advisors who are members of the Augustana congregation is located on the Meet Our Team page.

We are grateful to the congregation’s GROW Steering Committee. The Committee created this section of the site with a grant from Thrivent Financial Services for Lutherans. Special thanks to Greg Bickle, Lyn Goodrum and Paul Gilbertson. Click here for a complete list of Committee members.

What Is Planned Giving?

Planned giving is an organized and strategic approach to giving that reflects the donor's personal values, selects charitable organizations and gift-giving vehicles that best express those values, and maximizes the financial and tax benefits of the gifts.

Planned giving allows you to help preserve the future of the charities you care about most. It is a way to reach out to future generations with a decisive gesture that defines your priorities. By providing guidance to loved ones about the organizations you value, you send a powerful message, demonstrating meaningful stewardship of the gifts you have received.

Charitable organizations depend on your good will and generosity to create and grow endowments, fund scholarships and finance new buildings. Planned gifts support colleges and universities, medical research, places of worship, shelters for the homeless, and concert programs with world-class musicians. They bring drinking water to remote parts of the world and finance mentor programs for children in inner cities here at home.

At Augustana Lutheran Church, planned gifts made through the Augustana Foundation provide college scholarships, study Bibles for a women’s prison ministry, and send church members on missions to Africa and China.

You don't have to be wealthy or famous to leave a permanent, meaningful legacy. Large and small gifts are important. From naming beneficiaries in your will or through a life insurance policy, to charitable annuities and more complex trust arrangements, there are many ways to make a planned gift. All that's required is a committed heart and the desire to leave a legacy that gives purpose and meaning to the assets you have accumulated.

What Is Planned Giving?

Donor Stories

Planning Your Gift

Types of Gifts

Strategies & Benefits

FAQ's

Resources

Meet Our Team

Use PayPal™ to give an online donation to Augustana!