The more we talk about Legacy Societies and how they can support our churches, the more I realize there are still unanswered questions. So here’s a quick FAQ to help get us all on the same page.
First, a reminder: You’re invited to join us on Saturday, April 25 for Seasons of Generosity, a half-day, in-person workshop at the Diocesan Center. We’ll share practical, hands-on guidance on planned giving and legacy societies from an estate planning attorney and a financial advisor from the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF). You’ll leave with concrete ideas to help your church move forward. Click here for more information.
Q. This is planned giving. Why talk about faith and legacy?
A. Legacy giving begins with theology and faith, not taxes and paperwork. It reflects a belief that your church’s mission matters, not just today, but for generations. Everything else flows from that conviction.
Q. Does my church need an endowment to start a legacy society?
A. No. A legacy society simply recognizes members who include the church in their estate plans. You can start with a letter, an announcement, and an invitation. No endowment is required.
Q. What if we want to start an endowment?
A. Great! Many churches find that endowments and legacy societies grow together naturally. We’ll have a financial advisor from Episcopal Church Foundation at our upcoming workshop who will talk specifically on this topic.
Q. I am not a legal or tax expert. How do I talk about legacy giving?
A. It is not our job as church members to give tax or legal advice, it’s our job to inspire and invite. For example: “We are creating a legacy society to recognize those who have included the church in their estate plans. If that is you, or if you would like to learn more, we would love to hear from you.”
Q. Does a legacy society really matter?
A. Yes. Legacy gifts are often among the largest a church receives. A legacy society gets people thinking about legacy giving. They can help build a culture of generosity. One person’s example inspires another.
Q. We don’t have the money.
A. Setting up a legacy society does not have to be a big expense. One church expert says: “If you can afford a cake, you can afford a legacy society.” Recognition and gratitude cost very little. What matters is getting started.
Q. What if someone wants privacy?
A. Honor that fully. Participation and recognition should always be optional. Some will welcome public acknowledgment. Others will not. Both are equally valued.
Q. Isn’t it too late for us? How do we get started?
A. Not at all. In fact, older congregations are often where legacy giving thrives. Longtime members may already have included the church in their estate plans. (Or, they may have never realized that they could!).
Start with a few simple steps:
- Add a line to your newsletter or bulletin: “Have you included the church in your estate plans? Please let us know.”
- Include a legacy checkbox on your pledge card
- Identify one or two people to champion the effort
- Attend the April 25 workshop
You may discover quiet generosity already at work. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a beginning.
Q. Is this a lot of ongoing work?
A. Not necessarily. A legacy society can be simple. It may include occasional recognition, periodic communication, and someone to follow up. A small volunteer team can carry it, and you have experts, like the Episcopal Church Foundation, who can help.
Ready to take the next step?
Join us on April 25 for Seasons of Generosity and start building a culture of legacy giving in your church.
Saturday, April 25, 2026. Doors open 8:30; Program 9am – 1pm
Diocesan Center, 94 East Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston
Cost $25, Refreshments and light lunch will be served
Register Here: dioceseofnewark.org/event/seasons-of-generosity-finding-joy-in-legacy-a-pathway-to-faithful-sustainability
See you in April!
