A bequest can be written to give a stated amount to any charitable organization you specify, a percentage of your estate, or a residual amount after expenses and other bequests have been deducted. 

Useful information for making a bequest to WPC.

An individual aged 70 ½ or older may make direct gifts from an Individual Retirement Account up to $100,000 per year. These Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are not subject to federal or state taxation.  If you are age 73 or older, the QCD can also count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD).

Gifts of appreciated securities may offer the benefits of reduced tax liability while furthering a charitable goal. Using appreciated securities that you have held for over one year to make a charitable gift may avoid the long-term capital gains tax and possibly allow you to deduct the full fair market value of the stock.

Giving life insurance may offer you benefits, and a chance to make a gift when other options are not feasible, policies may no longer be needed or serve the purpose for which they were originally intended, such as a business that no longer exists, or for children, or loved ones who may not need the additional income.

Real estate can provide unique giving opportunities, particularly if it has increased in value. Sizable, capital gains often occur when property that has been held for many years is sold. A gift of real property should be readily marketable for sale.

A residential property (or a farm) may be deeded to a charitable organization and the donor reserves a life estate for the balance of the donor(s) life or lives. This transfer allows the donor(s) to receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction for the value of the gift.

A charitable remainder trust is a way to make a future gift to the Church or its mission while receiving income during your lifetime. The trust may offer certain tax advantages as well. A charitable remainder trust involves an irrevocable transfer of assets to a trustee and the creation of a trust agreement. The trustee manages assets and makes payments to the income recipient.

A charitable lead trust is appealing to individuals who may be subject to a large estate tax. The donor establishes and funds an irrevocable trust. The charitable beneficiary named by the donor receives payments from that trust, usually for a set time of years. At the end of the term, the trust assets are returned to the donors’ estate or passed on to heirs.

A legacy gift is a gift of assets which you direct to WPC either during your life or as part of your estate.

If you notify WPC of a contribution to the Legacy Giving Program, you will be a member of the Cornerstone Society.

You can make an immediate donation (of any amount); designate IRA proceeds to be paid to WPC; gift appreciated stocks; gift real estate; gift insurance policies or proceeds; or arrange for a gift to be paid after your death. See “Types of Legacy Gifts” for more detail on these various options.

Yes, you may designate where your gift is to be spent. However, our Legacy Giving Program promotes undesignated gifts as a priority, allowing flexibility on how your gift may be used in the future.

The Resources Ministry at WPC has the authority to use undesignated gifts for the most important priorities at WPC. These could be inspiring new ministries and programs; expansion of successful existing programs; or funds set aside for current needs of the Church. Each year the Resources Ministry will evaluate these opportunities. At the present time, one of the priorities is to fund the Capital Reserve Fund at WPC.

The Endowment Fund is restricted; we can use only the income from the Fund each year to make grants in certain categories. The Legacy Giving Fund will be unrestricted and can use principal as well as income, if needed.

You may complete the online form HERE, email , or call the church office at 757-229-4235 for assistance.

Whether you intend to leave a specific dollar amount, a specific property, or a percentage of your residuary estate, your attorney will draft language to accomplish your intended bequest under applicable state law. Sample gift language (for review by your attorney): “I give to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Inc., a nonprofit, tax-exempt religious organization located in Williamsburg, Virginia 23185; tax identification number 85-2255776, the sum of $____________ [or property described herein] [or ____ percent (____%) of the rest and residue of my estate] to be used by the Church for its general purposes.”

Monetary gifts are welcome at any time, but it is through the process of our own estate planning that we can make a truly lasting impact on the mission of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. We strongly encourage you to consult legal counsel on the importance of preparing a will.

Yes. Please email to obtain a partial list of attorneys in the Williamsburg area who are available to consult with you.

There is no minimum amount, and no gift is too small. The size of your planned gift is irrelevant and you will not be asked or required to divulge the amount, terms or conditions, if any, attached to your planned gift. We do plan to include a roster of Society members in the annual report to the congregation. Even so, if you wish to remain anonymous, your wish will be respected.

Not if you wish to keep it confidential. If you want to remain anonymous, we will keep your name and your gift in confidence, and your name will not be published.