Ways to Give

In addition to making a one-time donation, you can also set up recurring monthly donations!
Trinity is a 501c3 non-profit. All gifts are tax-deductible.

For information about giving to designated funds or are interested in planned giving, please contact Mrs. Erin Brooks at 812-524-8547 or by email.

Creative Giving Ideas

A GIFT OF APPRECIATED STOCK, BONDS OR OTHER SECURITIES

Gifts of appreciated stock are deductible at the fair-market value, even though the unrealized gain is taxable neither to the donor or the charity. From a tax standpoint, it’s nearly always more beneficial to contribute appreciated stocks (as well as any other kind of appreciated assets) rather than cash.

A GIFT OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

Your contribution to Trinity may take the form of tangible property. Gifts related to the purpose or function of the school or used in its ministry – for example, an automobile, scientific equipment, a computer system – generate tax deductions equal to the full fair-market value. Property whose use is unrelated to the school’s educational purpose results in a charitable deduction limited to its cost basis.

A GIFT OF REAL ESTATE

Gifts of highly appreciated real estate are often an excellent means to make a charitable gift. The gift value is determined by an appraisal if the value of the property exceeds $5,000. The donor receives a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property (regardless of their cost or basis in it). The charity may then sell the property for its full market value and may use the entire proceeds in support of its mission.

A GIFT OF LIFE INSURANCE

Gifts of life insurance policies may yield deductions for income tax purposes equal to the policy’s replacement value or the owner’s basis, whichever is less. If premiums still remain to be paid and the donor chooses to continue them, those payments are deductible. Trinity has the option of retaining these policies until the death of the donor or withdrawing their cash-surrender value.

PLANNING A FUTURE GIFT

Future (planned) gifts may take many forms, depending on the circumstances of the donors. The most common is the bequest – gifts made through your will or trust (such as a revocable trust). Others include life insurance, the charitable gift annuity, the charitable remainder trusts and the retained life estate.

A BEQUEST

Your will or revocable trust may include deferred charitable gifts of cash, securities, real estate or personal property to Trinity for its use, as directed by the Board. Bequests can be intended for general purposes or designated for use in areas of your special interest – for example, endowment, scholarships or capital projects.

Bequests may be made in three forms:

Specific, in which you specify a percentage of the estate or specific property to be used for the benefit of Trinity.
Residuary, in which you bequeath all or a portion of the remainder of your estate, to be used for the benefit of Trinity.
Contingent, in which you give a specified percentage or property to Trinity in the event your spouse and/or children do not survive you.

LIFE INSURANCE

A new life insurance policy may be established with the Trinity as the owner and beneficiary of the policy. Premium payments made by the donor are tax-deductible.

A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

In return for a gift of cash, marketable securities or real estate, you (and/ or another beneficiary) receive a fixed income for life, as well as immediate tax benefits, through the charitable gift annuity option available in most states. Trinity ultimately owns the assets.

A CHARITABLE REMAINDER UNITRUST

Cash, marketable securities or real estate may be placed into a charitable remainder unitrust. The donor receives an immediate charitable income tax deduction based on the rate of return and the length of time projected for the trust.

At the time the trust is created, a fixed percentage of return (at least 5 percent) is determined. Each year the trust’s beneficiary receives that percentage of the trust’s current market value (which is revalued annually) or the net income earned by the trust’s assets. When the trust matures -at the death of the last non-charitable beneficiary, or at the end of a period not to exceed 20 years – Trinity receives the property.

A CHARITABLE REMAINDER ANNUITY TRUST

A charitable remainder annuity trust is much like the unitrust, with the exception that income is based on a percentage of the initial principal. The payout amount remains constant for the duration of the trust.

A charitable remainder annuity trust is particularly attractive for producing tax-exempt income.

A RETAINED LIFE ESTATE

You may choose to contribute your home, vacation home or farmland and retain a “lifetime interest” in the property. Ownership is transferred to Trinity after your death, but you retain full use and control of the property during your lifetime. You’re allowed a charitable deduction based on the property’s current market value and your life expectancy. After your death, the school is free to sell the property.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS

Many supporters of Trinity Lutheran High School are also Thrivent members. In the past we have been blessed with Thrivent Choice Dollars directed to our ministry. If you are a Thrivent member please contact your Thrivent representative and ask how you may be able to support the ministry at Trinity Lutheran High School.