You can support your church’s future through a lasting legacy.

Legacy gifts provide a sustainable way to ensure your church’s future, funding ministries and operations for generations to come. Whether or not you can make large annual contributions, legacy giving offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact.

ECF partners with parishioners like you to make legacy giving simple, effective, and impactful for both your church and the wider community.

Legacy & Planned Giving Options

Donors throughout the diocese can make a contribution to a parish or ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta through ECF (either in life or upon their passing). When the gift matures, ECF administers and distributes those funds according to the donor’s stated intention.

Individuals who have made provision in their estate plan for Episcopal churches and institutions in the Diocese of Atlanta are members of The Bishop C. Judson Child Heritage Circle. Learn more.

Bequests

The simple insertion of a clause in your will can assure that a lasting gift will be made to ECF, and can also include your parish or other Episcopal institution. Ask about the exact language you should use to designate the beneficiary you choose. Many parishioners choose to “endow” their annual pledge to ensure that their gift continues to support for years to come. Suggested Bequest Language

Gifts of Assets or Appreciated Securities

A gift of current assets by cash or appreciated securities is always appropriate and usually offers favorable tax advantages.

To make a gift, please submit your completed Gifting of Securities Form at least 72 hours prior to contacting your stock broker.

Gifts of IRAs or Other Tax-Deferred Savings

Persons with savings in the form of tax-deferred funds such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k) or 403(b) plans, or other qualified retirement plans, may find significant tax advantages in using these assets for their charitable giving in their estate plans. Tax-exempt organizations are not subject to the income tax that individuals are and thus are able to benefit from the full amount of the gift.

To make a gift, please submit your completed IRA Charitable Rollover Gift Form to both ECF and your IRA trustee.

Life Insurance Gifts

Since many people have some form of life insurance, you may choose this vehicle to make a gift to the Church. If you would like to explore this, you can ask your insurance professional to help you.

Other Tools

A revocable living trust allows a gift of assets to be made now while retaining the right to retrieve those assets later if it becomes necessary.

Life income gifts such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts provide income for yourself and your spouse for life, and still provide a gift to the church after your death. These gifts, particularly when they are funded with appreciated property, often provide donors increased income as well as favorable tax benefits.

Wording for Gifts

It is important to use the exact language to name a parish or institution as beneficiary for any form of estate provision. Download Legal Name & Tax ID

Securing Resources for the Future

ECF’s Board of Directors represent a wide range of experiences and expertise from across the Diocese of Atlanta. Their articles on legacy giving seek to aid their fellow Episcopalians considering the legacy they wish to leave for the church.

More Articles >>

Legacy Gift FAQs

How is ECF funded?

ECF is funded by the Rt. Rev. Bennett J. Sims Endowment. We also raise funds through individual giving (e.g., donations, planned giving opportunities, and legacy gifts) and events (e.g., the annual Hunger Walk Run). We are the only ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta that provides opportunities for individuals to establish a lasting legacy to serve people experiencing poverty and oppression, as well as to honor their individual parishes in their estate. Unlike other organizations in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, we are not funded by the Fair Share Assessment.

Can I make a donation In Honor or Memory of someone?

Yes! ECF is able to accept donations in memory of someone who has died, to recognize someone special, or in thanksgiving for a milestone or occasion. You can make a Tribute Gift on our donation page, or you can contact us to discuss making this kind of gift.

You have the option of having us notify the person you honor or their family via a mailed card or an email. You are also able to make a Tribute Gift anonymously if you choose.

How does ECF differ from other ministries in the Diocese?

  • ECF grants can support traditional and non-traditional ministries and must have parish involvement and collaboration. Grants will NOT be funded to a nonprofit partner without a strong parish connection that is spiritually enriched by the partnership.
  • ECF grants must serve people experiencing poverty and oppression from a parish's community, and therefore do not include building loans or funds for repairs that are not outreach-related.
  • ECF grants are not intended for individual use and therefore do not includes loans, education funds, or other individual purposes.
  • Generally, ECF does not require a matching contribution for our grants unless discussed at the time of your application; however, we can serve as the matching grant for a Ministry Innovation.
  • ECF grants are not supported out of the Diocese of Atlanta Fair Share Assessment but through our endowment and donations from individuals.
  • ECF is the only ministry in the Diocese that provides opportunities for individuals to establish a lasting legacy to serve people experiencing poverty and oppression, as well as to honor their individual parishes in their estate. ECF serves as a resource to parishes around outreach ministry and planned giving.

Is ECF a part of Episcopal Relief & Development?

No, ECF is a specific ministry to the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and is not affiliated with Episcopal Relief & Development.

ECF partners with Episcopal communities in Middle and North Georgia to lift up people experiencing poverty and oppression, creating a sustainable impact for individuals, families, and communities. While there are many phenomenal efforts and ministries geared towards national and international efforts to relieve poverty and oppression, we specifically support those working in our local communities in Middle and North Georgia.

Episcopal Relief & Development works globally to respond to human suffering in the world. ERD administers funds that are received from The Episcopal Church and raised from other sources to provide relief in times of disaster and promote sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering. Learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development on their website.

Is ECF a part of the Episcopal Church Foundation?

Despite sharing the "ECF" moniker, the Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia is a specific ministry to the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and is not affiliated with the Episcopal Church Foundation.

The Episcopal Church Foundation works with Episcopal faith communities to support strategic visioning and planning exercises. These exercises enable lay and clergy leadership teams to raise financial resources for ministries and affect positive change in their communities through Christian Stewardship and ministry. Learn more about the Episcopal Church Foundation on their website.

How is ECF affiliated with the Diocese of Atlanta?

ECF is a ministry within the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. We specifically fund parishes and worshiping communities in our Diocese as well as nonprofit organizations which have a substantial relationship with one of these parishes or worshiping communities.

While our administrative office is located within the Office of the Bishop at the Cathedral of St. Philip, our budget is separate from the budget for the Diocese. Unlike other diocesan ministries, ECF is not funded by the Fair Share Assessment.

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