Ways to Give to the Endowment Fund
There are many ways to support the TVUUC Endowment Fund.
While contributions are generally tax-deductible, donors should consult their attorney, accountant, or financial advisor regarding their individual circumstances and any of the more complex giving options described below.
How to Direct or Recognize Your Gift
Honor or Memorialize Someone
You may choose to make your gift in honor or memory of a person who is meaningful to you. With your permission, the honoree’s name, along with your name (but not the amount of your gift), may be recognized on our donor recognition page.
Direct Your Gift
Donors may choose to direct their contribution to one or more of the Endowment’s sub-funds, allowing their gift to support the area that matters the most to them:
- Capital Improvements – Supports the care, maintenance, and improvements of the TVUUC building and grounds.
- General Fund – Supports the overall mission and purpose of the Endowment Fund.
- Memorial Garden – Provides for the care and maintenance of the Memorial Garden.
- Religious Education – Supports any aspect of the church’s RE programs.
- Social Concerns – Supports projects and programs that address social concerns, including social justice initiatives.
Note: Gifts that do not specify a particular sub-fund are invested in the General Fund.
Ways to Give Now
Give by Credit Card, Check, or QCD
Credit Card: You may make a donation online by credit card. Use the designation options provided to direct your gift to the specific sub-fund. If you wish to honor or memorialize someone, please include that information in the memo field.
Check: Make checks payable to TVUUC and put “Endowment Fund” in the memo line. If you wish to designate a specific sub-fund or honor or memorialize someone, please include written instructions with your contribution.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): Individuals age 70-1/2 or older who have a traditional IRA may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from their IRA to the TVUUC Endowment Fund. A QCD can satisfy all or part of a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while potentially reducing taxable income. To make a QCD, instruct the custodian of your IRA to issue a check payable to TVUUC and include “Endowment Fund” in the memo line. Please provide any additional instructions regarding the designation for funds.
Example: If a donor is required to take a $5,000 RMD and directs $250 of that amount to the TVUUC Endowment Fund through a QCD, only the remaining $4,750 is generally included in taxable income.
Ways to Leave a Legacy Gift
Bequest
A bequest allows you to leave assets to the TVUUC Endowment Fund through your will or living trust. Assets may include cash, securities, real estate, or personal property. Regardless of age, estate size, or gift amount, anyone with a will or trust can include a charitable bequest. Consult your attorney when creating or revising your estate plans.
Direct Gift of Stock or Real Estate
Some donors may find it advantageous to contribute appreciated assets, such as stock or real property. Because these gifts can have significant tax and legal implications, please consult both the Endowment Fund Committee and your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor before proceeding.
Qualified Asset Beneficiary Designation
Retirement assets, such as IRAs, can be subject to income tax when inherited by individuals. Some donors choose to name the TVUUC Endowment Fund as beneficiary of a qualified retirement account because charitable organizations are generally not subject to those taxes. Consult your attorney or financial advisor to determine whether this option is appropriate for your circumstances.
Charitable Life Insurance
Life insurance can be used to support the TVUUC Endowment Fund in several ways:
- Transfer ownership of an existing life insurance policy to the Fund.
- Surrender a policy and donate the proceeds to the Fund.
- Purchase a new life insurance policy and name the Fund as both owner and beneficiary.
- Retain ownership of a policy while designating the Fund as a beneficiary.