FAQ | Planned Giving & Trust

And what is the difference, anyway? Actually, there is a significant difference. Restricted gifts are gifts that are given for a specific purpose and ministry. We protect the integrity of our donor’s directions, and the gift always goes where it is directed. An unrestricted gift, on the other hand, is kind of like a type O- blood donor whose gift of blood can be used wherever it is needed most. Today, with the proliferation of non-profits and the appeals from all over (for good causes too), there is a large reduction in unrestricted gifts. Yet unrestricted gifts allow the conference to respond to needs that may not have been envisioned back when the estate plan was made up originally. Just like type O- blood, it can be applied where the need is greatest. So, while we don’t require it as part of our policy, would you be willing to consider some unrestricted giving that would allow your gift to make the most needed impact without limits on where it can be used? Give it some thought!

Keep them with your other important documents. You should probably alert a trusted individual in your family or a friend where they can be found. However, don’t place them in your safe deposit box, unless your executor or someone else is able to access it. Otherwise, your loved ones may find themselves in a Catch-22, where your documents are located in a safe, locked place, and they can’t access your deposit box without the authorization found in the Will. Problem!

We are here to serve, and this program exists to both serve our members and to fund the mission of God’s church here in Upper Columbia. We do not specify a certain percentage or amount. We do ask that if you wish to work with us, that you have or are willing to work on a plan that, while taking care of family, clearly has something built in that would be a significant blessing to God’s work. While we can definitely use unrestricted giving, your gift can be directed wherever you want to touch a UCC entity to qualify. Now, if you are merely looking to get the cheapest estate plan possible without a desire to benefit God’s work, this program probably isn’t for you, as that will only use resources gifted by others to provide an estate plan for you. Please see more about our policy here.

Finding a notary who is willing to notarize your documents has become a little more challenging, as banks are becoming more and more reticent to notarize something that might drag them into a Will contest. For those who are near the office, we do offer assistance with signing. You should be aware, however, if you feel someone might contest your Will, asking us to assist you, when you are gifting something to God’s work and have worked with us in preparing your documents, may make your estate plan a little more open to contest. For those who are at a significant distance, you can find mobile notaries, or if you have an insurance agent you work with, they may be a notary and willing to assist.

More information to come.