Foundation Services for Churches & Presbyteries
Disclaimer
| **The information contained on this website is intended only as a general discussion of charitable giving opportunities. Individual circumstances will vary and are subject to sometimes complicated state and federal law. You should consult with legal counsel, tax advisor, and financial advisor. Gifts are subject to the approval of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Foundation. |
Unique Opportunities Before Us
The greatest generational wealth transfer in history will take place over the next 25 years. Because of this wealth transfer, individuals, families, business owners and corporations receive dozens of estate and planned giving appeals each year and as a result, non-profit organizations as well as para-church ministries have been blessed by gifts and donations from this generational transfer of accumulated wealth - assets usually in the form of real estate, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts and business interests. However, it is no secret that local churches have been very quiet when it comes to communicating to their members about the advantages and benefits of estate and planned giving.
The EPC Foundation was established to help and assist the Evangelical Presbyterian Church - its members and local churches, understand the concepts, the advantages and the benefits of estate and planned giving. When the topic of charitable giving arises in the Church, it is usually associated with the concept of tithes and offerings. However, it is a fact that over 95% of tithes and offerings are given from disposable income - income that is in the form of cash, usually from a checking or savings account. An estimated 90 % of America's entire wealth is in a non-cash asset, however, the majority of churches receive less than 5 percent of their gifts from these assets.
One of the EPC Foundation's goals is to increase the awareness of the benefits of giving from accumulated wealth. Most individuals give from their accumulated wealth because of two major reasons.
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First, they desire to support the organization because it lines up with their values, virtues and faith.
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Second, the ultimate use of the gift or the end result usually combines the personal satisfaction of knowing that their gifts are helping to advance the Gospel around the world and that their gifts can make a strategic difference for the Kingdom of God for future generations.
Churches, presbyteries and other ministry organizations of the EPC must also be active in the planning process. The process includes developing reasons why funds are needed and clearly articulating how gifts will be used. Organizations must also demonstrate stewardship and fiscal responsibility if gifts are to be expected. The existence of the foundation in and of itself will not result in giving. The foundation is intended to assist in facilitating gifts only after an individual has been educated on stewardship and ministries have clearly demonstrated why and how gifts will be used.
