Email it to the
Permanent Endowment 
Fund Committee

Estate Planning

1. Who needs estate planning?

A: Every adult who is legally competent, who owns anything and cares about whom receive it at the time of their disability or death. Also necessary for anyone who wants to leave a bequest to his or her church.

2. For purposes of estate taxation, is there a limitation on the size of charitable gift I can make to my church at the time of my death?

A: There is no limitation.

Wills

1. Who needs a will?

A: Every adult who owns anything and who cares about what happens to it, everyone who cares about their family, and everyone who wants to include their church's future in their estate planning needs a will.

2. If I have no will, do state laws include my church or any other charity as a beneficiary?

A: No.

3.  I have heard that “wills are for rich people”.

A: Yes AND wills are also “for poor people” and for everyone in between. Your will relates to everything God has entrusted with you, and it can be a powerful lasting statement of your Christian stewardship.

4.  Do I need an attorney to prepare my will? Isn't the cost really high?

A: A “do-it-yourself” will might work, but unless it is properly written, it could cost unnecessary expenses and delays… and worst of all, it might not accomplish what you want to happen. The writing of your will is a job for which you need your attorney's assistance.The costs of having your will drawn by an attorney can be a terrific bargain. It may save many times its cost in taxes and administrative expenses to your heirs. Your attorney will also know how to properly include your desires for your church in your estate plans and will.

FUMC-VA Permanent Endowment Fund

1. Can a planned gift be made to the Permanent Endowment Fund only from my estate?

A: No. You can make a gift to the PEF at anytime during your lifetime, or through your estate as provided for in your will.

2.  Can I designate my gift to the PEF for a specific purpose or ministry?

A: Yes, subject to conditions set forth in the Permanent Endowment Fund Guidelines and Gift Acceptance Policy .