Leaving a Legacy of Faith: A Blessing to Future Generations
When people hear the phrase “legacy gift,” they sometimes assume it is only for large estates or very wealthy donors. But the truth is much simpler and more encouraging: you do not have to be wealthy to leave a legacy of faith.
In this month’s KML Legacy Foundation vlog, Ann Jahns, KML Gift Planning Officer, visits with Jim Holm, Executive Director of WELS Foundation, about planned gifts, endowments, and simple ways Christians can use God’s blessings to leave a legacy of faith to support future generations.
What is a legacy of faith, anyway?
Simply described, a legacy of faith is recognizing how richly the Lord has blessed us and then using those blessings to serve others—not only today, but beyond our lifetimes.
A legacy gift can help support ministry for years to come, including future KML students and families who benefit from student assistance.
Planned gifts in plain English
Planned giving can sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. A planned gift is simply a gift arranged now that can benefit ministry in the future.
Some common examples of planned gifts include:
Charitable Gift Annuity: A gift that provides income during your lifetime, with the remainder later supporting the ministry or ministries you choose.
Charitable Remainder Trust: Similar to a gift annuity, this gift can provide income for you, your spouse, or even your children for a period of time before supporting ministry after you are in heaven.
Donor Advised Fund: Often described as a charitable savings account, it allows you to recommend gifts to ministries over time.
Endowment Fund: A lasting fund that provides ongoing annual support to ministry, generation after generation.
Endowments: A lasting blessing
Endowment funds are especially meaningful at KML. Endowments managed by the KML Legacy Foundation help provide student assistance so more students can receive a Christ-centered education.
Donors may choose to give to an existing endowment fund at KML or establish a new one, perhaps in memory of loved ones or in support of a specific ministry purpose.
Tax-wise giving
Planned gifts may offer helpful tax benefits. While tax savings are not the main reason Christians give, they can be an added benefit when planning charitable gifts.
For example, some donors may be able to “bunch” multiple years of giving into one year through a donor advised fund or endowment gift, then recommend charitable distributions over the next several years.
Ordinary people, extraordinary impact
One of the most encouraging reminders to us all is that legacy giving is not just for the wealthy! Many faithful Christians have used what God has entrusted to them to make a lasting impact on ministry.
Whether a gift is large or small, it can reflect a heart of faith and become a blessing for generations to come.
Thank you, Jim Holm!
The end of June marks a special moment as Jim Holm prepares to retire after 30 years of service to WELS. We thank God for Jim’s faithful leadership, his encouragement, and the countless ways he has helped people joyfully support gospel ministry.
God’s blessings to Jim and his wife, Miriam, in retirement!
Your legacy, their future
Planned gifts can be a blessing to you, your family, and the ministries you love—including your congregation and KML.
If you would like to learn more about planned gifts or about remembering KML in your will or estate plan, or if you would like free resources to help you prepare for a conversation with an estate planning attorney, please contact Gift Planning Officer Ann Jahns at ann.jahns@kmlhs.org or 262.677.4051 x4004.
