Charitable Gift Annuity

WHAT IS A GIFT ANNUITY?

A gift annuity is a contract between you and WELS Foundation, in which you make a gift of cash or securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) in exchange for fixed quarterly annuity payments for life. After the passing of the annuitant(s), the remainder of the gift will be used by your congregation, school, area Lutheran high school, synod, or WELS-affiliated ministry.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES?

  • Flexible: You can begin annuity payments right away or sometime in the future when you will need additional income. The minimum gift size is $10,000; there is no maximum limit. You can fund a gift annuity for yourself, a loved one, or a friend.
  • Secure: Your annuity payments are backed by the assets of WELS Foundation.
  • Permanent: Your annuity payment is a fixed amount, dependable, and unchangeable.
  • Minimum ages: Immediate payment annuities are available to WELS members 60 and older; deferred payment annuities are available to members 45 and older.
  • Irrevocable: Once established, a gift annuity cannot be changed or cancelled. You may, however, choose to end the annuity payments to you and allow the remaining amount to be paid directly to your chosen ministries.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Joy: Arrange to benefit the area of the Lord’s work that is closest to your heart.
  • Fixed payments for life: Your gift comes with the assurance of steady, lifelong payments.
  • Tax savings: You receive an immediate income tax charitable deduction, and, in most instances, a portion of your gift annuity payment will be a tax-free return of the original principal. There are additional benefits when transferring appreciated assets for a gift annuity.
  • Lasting impact: After the passing of the annuitant(s), the balance will be used to continue the Lord’s work in your congregation, synod, or other WELS ministries.

Charitable Gift Annuity FAQs

There is, and you can choose which charitable gift annuity option works best for you, based on your giving goals and situation.

Immediate gift annuity
Quarterly annuity payments start immediately

  • You make a gift now
  • You receive an immediate tax deduction
  • Minimum gift amount: $10,000

Deferred gift annuity
Quarterly annuity payments can start at retirement (or a date you choose)

  • You make a gift now
  • You receive an immediate tax deduction
  • Minimum gift amount: $10,000

Flexible deferred gift annuity
Quarterly annuity payments can start at any time in the future

  • You make a gift now
  • You receive an immediate tax deduction
  • Minimum gift amount: $10,000

Testamentary gift annuity
Quarterly annuity payments benefit your loved ones when you are in heaven

  • Your gift is funded when you are called home to heaven
  • Minimum gift amount: $50,000

Distributions are paid on the last day of each quarter. If you provided information to receive your distribution electronically, you will receive it the last day of the quarter (i.e., March 31st). If you are receiving a distribution check, your check will be mailed the last business day of the month (at quarter end).

You can! Please contact us at [email protected] or 414-256-3251 and we can assist you in setting that up.

You can expect to receive your tax information by January 31st.

No problem! Contact us at [email protected] or 414-256-3251.

Yes, you can, and in doing so you may qualify for an additional income tax charitable deduction. Contact us at [email protected] or 414-256-3251 to learn more.

Featured Video: Charitable Gift Annuities

The information contained on this website is not intended as legal advice. For legal and tax advice, WELS Foundation encourages you to consult an attorney or tax professional. The figures cited in the examples on this website are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.