Donor Stories

Deferred Gift Annuity

Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision, because the value of the stock increased to $100,000 a few years later. Though they were not in need of additional income at the time, the couple decided to cash in on this growth and began considering selling the stock.

Allison: We had had a good year and were looking for ways to maximize deductions and reduce what we owed in taxes. At the same time, we had been exploring the best way to make a gift to the Evangelical Free Church of America through the EFCA Foundation. We were especially interested in the Urban and Intercultural Missions efforts they do across the nation.

Larry: Allison and I were both age 50 at the time, in good health and still working. And though we didn't really need extra current income, we were planning to retire at age 65 so we were always interested in smart retirement planning. Our goal was to be able to maintain our lifestyle and travel in our motorhome to visit friends and family.

Allison: I remember when we met with a gift planner, named Lanny L. Harris, from the EFCA Foundation. He explained the benefits of setting up a deferred gift annuity. Instead of selling, we could give our stock to the EFCA Foundation and receive an immediate charitable tax deduction. Plus, when we turn 65, the deferred gift annuity would make annual retirement income payments to us for our lifetimes.

Larry: We prayed about this matter and decided to set up the deferred gift annuity through the EFCA Foundation. And we experienced first hand each of the benefits Allison mentioned: we received a charitable tax deduction and tax savings immediately. And now that we're retired, we receive steady income each year that helps make our retirement travel possible. On top of all of this, the deferred gift annuity makes a portion of the income payments we receive tax-free.

We also love the fact that while our goals are met in full, a legacy gift will become available to support the future vision of EFCA Urban-Intercultural Missions after we are at home with the Lord.

Please note: The name and image above is representative of a typical donor and may or may not be an actual donor to our organization. Since your gift annuity benefits under federal rules may be different from this person, you may want to click here to view a color example of your gift annuity benefits based on your age.

For more information please select one of the following options:

1. You may also be interested in knowing how a deferred gift annuity can benefit you. If you would like to see your payout rate at the age you might wish to begin receiving income, then click here.

2. If you would like to request a printed illustration of a deferred gift annuity with your payout rate, then click here.

3. To learn more about giving options including current and planned gifts, you may print the Deferred Gift Annuity brochure. Click Here.