For people of faith, giving is a natural response to the bountiful gifts of God. But sometimes it’s hard to give, especially when we are concerned about our future, our health and having “enough” to last our lifetimes.

One of the simplest ways to provide a gift – after our needs have been cared for – is to name a charity such as HELM as the beneficiary of traditional retirement assets. That way you have the funds you may need during lifetime, but provide a meaningful gift that will impact the lives of future Disciples students.

Best of all, a beneficiary designation doesn’t require a lawyer or change in any legal documents. It really is as simple as filling out a form with the institution holding your retirement account.

Afraid of leaving out heirs? Traditional retirement assets often are highly taxed when left to another individual. Those assets will be subject to income tax when your heirs receive distributions and, in the case of most non-spouses, those distributions must take place within 10 years, potentially pushing designated beneficiaries into higher tax brackets. With a gift to HELM, 100 percent of the funds are available to provide Disciples students with scholarships and leadership development opportunities.

Many people have discovered it is often better to leave other types of assets – cash, securities, real estate – to heirs with no or minimal tax impact on them.

You can specify the individuals and charities you want to support and you can also specify the percentage of the assets you want each beneficiary to receive.

Beneficiary designations also are available when giving the following assets:

Life Insurance: Life Insurance policies can also be used as a gift if no longer is needed by others. You can complete and return to the insurance company a form designating HELM for all or a portion of your life insurance policy. Another option: Transfer ownership of the policy to HELM.  Transferring ownership results in an immediate income tax charitable deduction and potential income tax savings in the year of the gift.

Bank Accounts:  You can have your bank pay HELM all or a portion of what remains in a checking or savings account. Your bank can provide you with the appropriate beneficiary designation form.

Investment Accounts: You can instruct your investment company to transfer to HELM some or all investments held in the account at the time of your passing. Your broker or agent can let you know the process for doing this – it may be as simple as adding “T.O.D. to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries” after your name on the account.

If this sounds of interest, please reach out to Jim Cullumber, the Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving at HELM, and he can provide HELM’s legal information that may be needed on the beneficiary form. Jim can be reached at 317-695-8267 or jcullumber@helmdisciples.org. Jim can also discuss with you how you want your future gift used.

Note: HELM does not provide legal or tax advice. Donors should consult with their legal and tax experts.