Donating appreciated securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy and tax-effective way for you to make a gift to your church or favorite ministry.

Donating appreciated real estate, such as a home, vacation property, undeveloped land, farmland, ranch or commercial property can make a great gift to your church or favorite ministry.

Donating part or all of your unused retirement assets such as a gift from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension or other tax-deferred plan is an excellent way to make a gift to your church or favorite ministry.

A gift of cash is a simple and easy way for you to make a gift.

A gift of your life insurance policy is an excellent way to make a gift to your church or favorite ministry. If you have a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose, consider making a gift of your insurance policy. For example, you may have purchased a policy to provide for minor children and they are now financially independent adults.

• Leave a lasting legacy to be remembered
• Lessen the burden of taxes on your family
• Possible estate tax savings

• Gift a specific dollar amount or asset
• Gift a percentage of your estate
• Gift from the balance or residue of your estate
• Make a beneficiary designation of certain assets.

A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to family, friends or your United Methodist Church as part of your estate plan.