Yes, the United Church of God provides information about how to donate to a planned giving program - see the information below. If you would like to contribute a one-time donation, please visit our online donation website at donate.ucg.org

What Is Planned Giving?

Planned giving generally refers to gifts made to the Church from the assets you accumulate during your lifetime. Such gifts are planned and designated during your life, but are in most cases distributed to the Church after the end of life.

At first glance, you may think that planned giving is only for the wealthy, but the fact is that anyone can make a planned gift. Bequests in wills, estates and trusts; naming the Church as a beneficiary on life or other insurance policies; or the donation of real estate, securities, mutual funds or other marketable securities are all considered planned gifts. If you would have questions or would like assistance in setting up one of these types of planned gifts, please contact us using the information provided in this brochure.

More elaborate forms of planned giving can include charitable gift annuities, charitable gift and deferred payment gift annuities, and charitable remainder trusts. Your personal financial advisor or attorney can answer questions and help you explore these options.

Why a Planned Giving Program?

Every year, the Church receives funds from estates, life insurance proceeds and stocks and bonds donated by Church members. We are aware that many people would consider giving such a gift to the Church, but may need assistance or guidance in what to do or how to set it up. The purpose of the planned giving program is to assist those who want to plan a gift to the Church in this way.

The Greatest Gift

Those of us who have been called by God to His way of life and have experienced His love, mercy and compassion understand the future He has in store for all of mankind. We know the greatest gift we have ever been given is that knowledge.

During our lifetimes we have given our hearts and souls to God and partnered with Him in His work on this earth. Preaching repentance and the gospel of the Kingdom of God to all the world and teaching the disciples God calls to live His way of life through the resources of His Church has become our mission, too. We support it with our prayers, our hearts, our souls, our tithes, our offerings, our “treasures.”

Have you thought that you would like to support God’s work in a greater way? Planned giving may be something to consider.

What Are the Benefits of Planned Giving?

Besides the satisfaction that comes from planning a gift to God’s Church, there are tax benefits that you may receive, which may allow you to provide more funds for your family, heirs and the Church than would have otherwise been possible.

Can I Restrict the Use of My Planned Gift?

Yes, there are several categories that the funds can be restricted to, such as media/public proclamation, congregational care, international, etc. Please contact us for a full list of the categories.

What Does a Planned Gift Look Like?

Many types of gifts and methods of giving are available to you. Some of the options are:

Bequest by will: the Church can be included along with other beneficiaries in a new will or added to an existing will.

Life or other insurance policy: simply name the Church as a beneficiary on the policy.

Gift of securities or property: a gift of appreciated securities or real estate may offer special tax advantages to you.

Creation of trust: a trust can be designed to meet a special set of circumstances to guarantee the family’s current and future needs and provide a future gift to the Church.

How Can I Include the Church in My Will or Insurance Policy?

For decades, members have designated the Church as a beneficiary in their wills or insurance policies. As they decided how their estate would be divided among heirs and designated charities, the Church was also considered.

If you decide to include the Church in your will, please use the official name: United Church of God, an International Association, a California Non-Profit Religious Corporation. If you would like assistance from the Church’s attorney or treasurer, please call, and we will be happy ​to assist you.

Can I Donate Stock or Mutual Fund Shares to the Church?

Yes, the Church accepts donations of publicly traded stock, bonds or mutual fund shares.

If you are considering this type of donation to the Church, please contact the treasurer, who can answer questions and provide you the name of the Church’s brokerage firm to which you may transfer the securities you wish to donate.

Please be advised that donating securities that you have owned for more than one year, and which have appreciated in value, may allow you to take advantage of a double incentive offered by the IRS. You’ll be able to claim a charitable tax deduction for the full, fair market value of the securities, and you’ll pay no capital gains tax on the transfer. As a result, the “cost” of your gift is less than the deduction you’ll receive for it—and less than the cost of making the identical gift in cash.

But please note, if you have owned the securities you wish to donate for less than a year, your charitable deduction will be limited to your cost basis in the securities.

How Can the Church Help Me Plan My Gift?

No planned gift is too small. If you have questions about planned giving, or if you would like assistance in setting up a planned gift, the Church can assist you in the following ways:

Information on how to include the Church in your will or trust or as a beneficiary on life or other insurance policies.

General financial guidance in determining tax advantages you may derive from donating publicly traded stock, bonds or mutual fund shares that you have held more than one year.

Information on how to transfer stocks or mutual funds to the Church’s brokerage firm, or to transfer property or real estate.

Referral to a planned giving professional if more detailed information is needed.

Need More Information?

If you have questions or would like more information on planned giving, please feel free to call the planned giving department at plannedgiving@ucg.org.  If you prefer, you can mail your inquiry or other information to:

United Church of God
ATTN: Planned Giving
P.O. Box 541027
Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027

The United Church of God, an International Association,is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advice. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained.The purpose of this publication is to provide assistance and information of a general nature only.