Planned Giving

Thank you for your interest in making a planned gift to FUSF. Here you will find basic information about how to make a planned gift, including sample language you may wish to use to make a bequest.

When you notify us of your intended bequest, you will join other generous individuals who share a commitment to helping future generations to continue the mission of our congregation. Please note that this information is provided for general information only and is not intended to be legal or financial advice. We encourage you to seek legal and/or financial planning advice as you make your decisions regarding planned giving.

Bequests from Your Will or Living (Revocable) Trust

You can use your will or living trust to give a specific dollar amount, or a percentage of your estate, or specific property, to the congregation. You can also make a residual bequest from the remaining assets in your estate after all other specific bequests and settlement costs are satisfied.

Retirement Plan Assets

Many individuals today have substantial qualified retirement plans such as IRAs, 401(k) plans, or 403(b) plans. The congregation can be designated as a beneficiary of all or a percentage of what remains in these accounts at death. This is the easiest way to leave a legacy to FUSF because it does not require changes to your will or trust.

Moreover, this type of gift may help you get the most value from your estate and protect your heirs from taxes. Retirement plan assets are subject to income taxes of as much as 35% when paid out to your heirs, while a payment to a nonprofit organization such as FUSF is not subject to federal tax.  You should contact your plan administrator to complete the appropriate forms (often available on-line) to carry out your wishes.

Life Insurance

A traditional life insurance policy (with an accumulated cash value) can be a valuable asset. Some people no longer need the life insurance that was purchased many years ago to provide for children or other family members. If you are in this situation, you could name the congregation as a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary of the policy. Change of Beneficiary forms are typically available online from your insurance company.

Gift Annuities & Trusts

There are several options for gift annuities and trusts:

• Charitable Gift Annuity
• Charitable Remainder Trust

Because these long-term gift options are managed through the Unitarian Universalist Association, it is suggested that the donor grant a portion of any remainder to the UUA.

Charitable Gift Annuity

A Charitable Gift Annuity through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is an arrangement whereby you contribute cash or marketable securities to the UUA, in exchange for the Association’s contract to pay one or two people a guaranteed income for life, a portion of which may be tax-free, as well as certain tax deductions. You receive a charitable income tax deduction for the gift portion of the annuity. Afterwards, our congregation will receive the remainder of the assets, according to your prior instruction.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A Charitable Remainder Trust is a separately invested, irrevocable trust that you can create using a wide range of assets, including cash, securities, closely held stock, or real property.
You then designate a person or persons to receive annual income payments of at least 5%. At the conclusion of the income payments, the remaining trust principal is distributed to our congregation and FUSF according to your prior instruction.

Gifts Acceptance Policy

We accept planned gifts in accordance with our Gift Acceptance Policy. Your financial and legal advisors can help with the best option for you