PLANNED GIVING WITH THE FUND
The Fund for the Diaconate is the legacy of the deaconesses of The Episcopal Church, and many others who supported them and their ministries between 1927 and 1970. Started as The Retiring Fund for their colleagues who needed to retire from their ministry but did not have the family support to do so, the deaconesses raised money from among themselves, the United Thank Offering, the Episcopal Church Women, and the parishes which had benefited from their ministry. The first payments to retired deaconesses were made in 1932. In 1990, the name changed to The Fund for the Diaconate and male deacons were allowed to vote and receive grants.
The deaconesses and their successors have carefully managed the funds given to us over the years. From the first $50,000, raised during the Great Depression, the endowment now stands at $8,000,000. Today, the Fund operates and gives out grants from the income of that endowment.
Planned Giving to The Fund for the Diaconate enables us to plan for the future, and continue our assistance to deacons and those in formation who have insufficient funds for their needs, or are facing a crisis.
How to make a Planned Gift to The Fund for the Diaconate
Bequests
Include The Fund for the Diaconate of The Episcopal Church in your will. Remember to revisit your estate plans when you have any major changes in your family such as marriage, divorce, death, children born or reached maturity, or relocation.
Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA
If you are at least 70½ years of age, you may direct your retirement plan manager to send up to $100,000 of your IRA to The Fund, as an IRS qualified charity. If you are at least 72 years old, doing so will avoid your having to pay income tax on that portion of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Please visit the IRS website for detailed information.
Beneficiary Designation
Naming The Fund for the Diaconate as the beneficiary of your retirement account can be a wonderful and tax-efficient way to make a legacy gift to support future deacons in financial need, thus supporting a diaconate that is so important to you. It is relatively simple to make a gift using the beneficiary designation form provided by the financial institution that serves as your retirement plan administrator or custodian.
Additional Considerations - Use a percentage rather than a fixed dollar amount, as investment performance may change.
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Flyer: Planned Giving with the Fund
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Leaving a Legacy: How your gift can help deacons and those in formation
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Who Should Consider Planned Giving to The Fund for the Diaconate? 3 min. video
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How are Deacons Supported by AED and The Fund for the Diaconate? 3 min. video
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On ENS: How deacons are benefitting from Planned Giving to The Fund for the Diaconate.
For information about planned giving or to begin the process, please contact our Treasurer, Deacon Brian Nordwick.