Legacy Giving

A legacy gift is a profound expression of your faith, your gratitude, and your deep devotion to St. James's. It is an outward and visible sign of the things that matter most to you, ensuring that your commitment to our church continues for generations to come.

By planning your gift today, you are securing your personal legacy while providing the essential financial foundation for St. James's future mission and ministries.

Make a Legacy Gift

Why Make a Legacy Gift?

  • Focus on St. James's, Exclusively: Your gift is allocated to the St. James’s Endowment Fund, Inc., a distinct charitable entity. This fund is not controlled or accessed by the Diocese of Virginia or the National Episcopal Church. It solely supports the operation and enhancement of St. James’s Parish. To learn more, click here.

  • Every Gift Has Value: There is no minimum amount required (except for life income gifts). Every contribution is valued and thoughtfully stewarded.

  • Expert Management: The Endowment Fund is carefully managed by a leading investment firm in Richmond and overseen by the Endowment Fund Board, which is comprised of dedicated St. James's members.

  • Flexibility and Ease: Most legacy gifts are easily arranged. With the exception of life income gifts, you retain the flexibility to change the terms, amount, or even cancel the gift if your circumstances change. It's simpler than you may think.

  • Note: For major financial decisions, such as Charitable Remainder Trusts, always consult with your legal and tax advisors.

Make a Legacy Gift

Join the Whitlock Legacy Society

The Whitlock Legacy Society honors faithful stewards who have made financial provisions for the future of St. James's. The strength and well-being of our church stand upon the dedication of those who have left a legacy for the long-term benefit of our parish.

You become a member simply by naming the St. James’s Endowment Fund, Inc. in your will or other legacy giving vehicle and notifying us of your intention. Your name will then be added to the list of honored Society members, unless you prefer to remain anonymous.

We are deeply grateful to all Society members who have shown their profound devotion to St. James’s and their faith in this parish.

Ways to Leave Your Legacy

Many legacy gifts offer the added benefit of providing you with significant tax advantages.

  • Name St. James’s in your will to designate a fixed dollar amount, a particular asset, or a percentage of your estate.

  • Designate St. James’s as a beneficiary on one or more of your retirement accounts (e.g., IRA, 401k).

  • If you have a living trust, you can leave a pre-set amount or percentage of it to the church.

  • Designate St. James’s as the beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy.

  • Specify that any money remaining in your DAF at your death be distributed to the St. James’s Endowment Fund.

  • Make a gift during your lifetime that pays you a guaranteed income for life (e.g., Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts). This provides immediate tax benefits, and the remaining principal is distributed to the St. James’s Endowment Fund upon your death.

  • Designate your gift to the St. James’s Endowment Fund. This creates a perpetual yearly contribution that ideally generates a return equal to your current annual pledge.

Next Steps

Have you already planned a gift? If you have arranged for a legacy gift but have not yet notified us, please let us know! We would be deeply grateful to recognize your generosity and welcome you to the Whitlock Legacy Society.

Please complete the form below with your plans and send it to us.

Fill Out the Form

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at ____.

The specific tax ID for St. James’s Endowment Fund, Inc. is: 83-2821776.