A Personal Expression of Ministry that Leaves a Legacy

Our supporters are easing the financial hardship that might keep someone from attending seminary, continuing his or her studies, or accepting a call at a small or struggling church. The education of these future leaders of the church depend on current and planned gifts from Wesley's many friends, like you.

Planned gifts are donations that are made through your will, charitable gift annuities, gifts of life insurance, pooled income funds and charitable trusts. Unlike current gifts to a charity, planned gifts are future gifts, meaning Wesley will either receive the gift at a later time or have use of the entire gift at a later time.

When you consider your own legacy, planned gifts are ways you can make a major gift that will benefit Wesley for many years. Planned gifts can be simple, like a bequest, or more complex, like the various types of charitable trusts.

The most important issue to consider is: What are your philanthropic objectives? Based on what you would like to accomplish in your estate planning, there is probably a planned gift that can help you achieve your philanthropic objectives.

We have a myriad of online resources for you and your family and friends to review when considering planned giving donations. Please contact Cindy Davis at (202) 885-8632 or (800) 882-4987 x3 to learn more about leaving a legacy that will help shape the church for generations to come.

If you would like to include Wesley in your will, here is some sample language you can share with your legal adviser:

"I give, devise and bequeath to Wesley Theological Seminary of the United Methodist Church, a non-profit Maryland corporation, located at 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20016, the sum of $______ (or ___ percent of my estate) to be used for such purposes as the Board of Governors determines at the time this bequest becomes effective."

Please note that is a sample for your consideration and does not constitute any legal advice. Please consult your lawyer to ensure your wishes are provided for in your will.

If you have any questions about this sample language or any other planned giving issue, please contact Cindy Davis at (202) 885-8632 or (800) 882-4987 x3.