Planned Giving at Presbyterian Church of Western Springs

Giving for the Future

Each time someone crosses the threshold of our church they benefit from the generosity of those who preceded them. Whether it is a moving worship service, the camaraderie of a fellowship event, attending a study group, or the solitude of the sanctuary in early morning, these experiences are a gift from members and friends who left a legacy for those of us who follow them.

While there are numerous ways to give of our time, talent and treasure to the church on a regular basis, a special gift to one of the five invested funds of PCWS helps to underwrite our vision for mission and ministry beyond normal annual fund operations.

 

Why Consider a Planned Gift?

Your legacy gift ensures the continued vitality of PCWS from one generation to the next. While a planned gift brings a sense of fulfillment to our own lives, it may also provide financial benefits to the donor, including tax savings, reduced capital gains and estate taxes, and release from financial management.

Bequests, charitable trusts, and annuities, assignment of life insurance, transfers of property (cash, stocks and bonds), and naming PCWS as beneficiary of an IRA or 401k are excellent options for making such a transformative gift.

The Presbyterian Church of Western Springs has five (5) funds, each with a unique purpose, for you to consider for a special gift in gratitude for God’s grace at work in your life:

 

Endowment Fund …Your Legacy Gift

For undesignated giving, this fund will permanently invest your gift and the principal will remain intact. To meet expanding dreams and needs—earned income will be distributed:

60% to the Building Fund

40% to the Ministry & Mission Fund

 

Building Fund … God’s House—Our Home

Gifts to this fund will be used exclusively for major facility additions or improvements (not funded through the annual budget). Both income and principal can be used with Session approval.

 

Ministry & Mission Fund … Transforming Lives

Gifts to this fund help underwrite new and innovative programs (not funded through the annual budget) that expand our pro- gram or mission activities. Both income and principal can be used with Session approval.

 

Memorial Fund … Giving Thanks

Gifts received in honor or memory of a particular person or event are held in this fund until an appropriate need arises.

 

Designated Gifts … A Creative Option

In consultation with the Session, these gifts are used to support programs and ministries that do not fall under either Building or Ministry and Mission.

 

Innovative uses of previous Memorial Funds include: landscape enhancements, design of an outdoor labyrinth, acquisition of playground equipment, and creation of the Memorial Garden. Other donations allowed for the purchase of special music for the choirs, and the annual presentation of bibles for second graders and confirmands,

Designated gifts have sponsored a scholarship to McCormick Seminary, provided regular snacks for Sunday School, sponsored music concert series, and supported Mission Trip scholarships

 

Taking the Next Step

The Presbyterian Church of Western Springs is deeply grateful for the generosity of all of our donors. We invite you to prayerfully consider including the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs in your long-range financial plans.

Call or email Patrick Rivers with any questions you may have or to let her know that you have remembered PCWS in your estate plans.