A Planned Gift to Beacon will:
Sustain Our Shared Values
Pay Forward What Others Have Given Us
Strengthen Our Mission in the Community and the World
Assure a Vibrant Future for Unitarian Universalism
Lower Taxes on Your Estate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Planned Gift?
Making a contribution at the end of your life—a bequest, proceeds from a life insurance policy, and a variety of planned giving vehicles.
Although generally made at the end of your life, plans for the gift can be made at any time during your life, as can your gift.
A Planned Gift is in addition to your annual giving typically paid from current income and any contribution to the capital campaign typically paid from savings and investments.
A Planned Gift may be a contribution to the Beacon Endowment Fund or to Beacon’s Operating Fund or a special campaign (like the Capital Campaign).
Is Planned Giving for Me?
Planned giving is not just beneficial for the wealthy. Planned giving is for anyone interested in: how their assets are distributed, conscientious and intentional use of personal resources, and lowering taxes paid to the government.
How Will My Planned Gift to Beacon’s Endowment Fund Be Used?
When a Planned Gift is realized, typically upon the death of the donor, funds are allocated to the Beacon Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund is invested in a variety of asset classes and managed to achieve returns in excess of inflation and target a 5% return consistent with prudent risk.
Income earned from the Endowment Fund is used primarily to help fund a portion of the congregation’s annual budget. According to Beacon’s Distribution Policy, 5% of the average of the total value of the Endowment Fund for the prior three years as of December 31 will be available for distribution to the operating budget for the successive fiscal year.
By increasing the Endowment Fund through the addition of Planned Gifts, Beacon can enhance its ministerial programming, develop social justice initiatives, expand its religious education programming for children, youth, and adults, and fund other opportunities that align with our mission.
What is the history of the Beacon Endowment Fund?
Funds were raised to establish an endowment fund in the 1990s with help from a matching gift of nearly $100,000 from an anonymous donor. In the early 2000s, another fundraising campaign provided additional contributions that augmented the fund. Currently, the value of the Beacon Endowment Fund is about $500,000.
How can I send in my gift?
Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit / 4 Waldron Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 / 908-273-3245
Tax ID: 22-1508563
Prospective donors should consult their own financial adviser, accountant, or attorney to plan the gift that maximizes benefits to them and Beacon.
Where do I find out more?
Contact Beacon’s Stewardship Director at stewardship@summitbeacon.org.