Total Christian Stewardship can best be described by those things we do during our lifetimes as well as our ultimate gift.  BFI provides service to individuals and families as they give in such a way that does three very important things:  1) lowers current taxes and/or increases income for the donor, 2) maximizes the amount given to support the donors favorite charitable organization, 3) minimizes estate taxes and maximizes amount passed on to heirs.

Lifestyle

BFI currently helps individuals and families maximize impact and minimize taxes by offering four planned giving vehicles -- all of which return real results during one’s lifetime.  Up to date illustrations and a gift calculator may be accessed by clicking on each gift type.

1. •Donor Advised Fund (DAF).  A donor advised fund allows you to be more strategic and thoughtful in your gift giving.  Charitable deductions are taken when the gift is transferred into the fund, not when it’s disbursed.  Other members of your family can be taught the value of giving as well.  For those with private family foundations, a DAF permits you to influence where your gifts are given without the 990 filing requirement.  You may download a copy of the Donor Advised Fund application here..  There is never a charge and only a $500 minimum to start your fund.
   

1. •Charitable Gift Annuity.  Although this gift tool works best for those sixty or over, a  CGA allows the donor to receive both an income stream during their lifetime and leave a significant gift to their church or other charity.  They can be in force for one or two lives and be funded with assets other than cash.  Current rates of return for single donors range from 5.2% at age 60 to 9.5% at age 90 or greater.  Calculate a Gift Annuity here.
   

1. •Charitable Remainder Trusts.  At any age, a charitable trust allows you to receive an income to you or a designee for a period of time (up to twenty years) with the balance funding the charity (or multiple charities) you indicate.  Importantly, a trust can be funded through closely held shares from a family business, stock, real estate or cash.  Calculate a Charitable Remainder Uni-Trust here.
   

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3. •Retained Life Estate.  With a retained life estate, you can commit a residence to one day fund ministry initiatives while continuing to use the property just as you are now.  You enjoy an immediate tax deduction for this gift.
   

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Legacy

It’s been said that we are known not just by our history of service, but by the path we leave behind.  Total Christian Stewardship recognizes that legacy, almost as much as lifestyle, grows out of our character and determines our ability to impact our world.  If you’ve worshipped in a church that has ever received a bequest, if you went to college, or if you’ve been to any of our camps, Children’s Homes, or facilities, then you have been impacted by someone who believed in leaving a legacy.

BFI is an advocate for Christians to tithe on their estate -- being consistent with their charitable giving during their lives.  This works best, however, when a will is done as a complete estate plan.

BFI is pleased to offer Christian Estate Planning services at no-charge to those including a charitable bequest in their estate plans.  This service is intended to be a significant encouragement as BFI assists those willing to help others.

Through our partnership with the Southern Baptist Foundation, we recommend downloading and filling out the linked Planning Your Legacy of Faith document.  Then simply give us a call or email.