Legacy & Planned Giving
ECF partners with parishes to create sustainable giving programs that inspire members to make lasting financial commitments.
Legacy giving includes gifts made after a donor’s lifetime, such as bequests in wills or beneficiary designations. Planned giving encompasses both lifetime and future contributions, often providing tax benefits while ensuring the parish’s mission continues.
Parishioners may choose to:
- Make a legacy gift by including their parish in a will or estate plan.
- Set up a planned gift through a retirement account, life insurance policy, or charitable trust.
- Donate assets or appreciated securities to provide immediate and long-term support.
Parish Visits
ECF offers on-site and virtual parish visits to help congregations understand the impact of legacy and planned giving. These visits provide an opportunity to:
- Educate parishioners about the importance of long-term financial stewardship.
- Equip parish leadership with tools to develop and promote sustainable giving initiatives.
- Strengthen fundraising efforts by inspiring members to leave a lasting legacy of faith and service.
Working with clergy, vestry, and stewardship committees, ECF tailors giving strategies to each parish’s needs. Many parishes see an increase in giving commitments after an ECF visit, ensuring their mission thrives for generations.
Resources & Support
With the right tools and guidance, parishes can build a lasting culture of generosity. ECF supports parishes in the Diocese of Atlanta in many ways:
- Ongoing Consultation – Expert guidance on donor engagement and education, sustainable gift management, and outreach program sustainability.
- Resources – Resources and administrative support relating to legacy giving efforts in your parish, including access to financial and legal expertise.
- Workshops & Training – In-person and virtual sessions for clergy and parish leaders on effective fundraising techniques, end-of-life planning, and strategic matters for congregations.
