St. Mark’s Legacy Circle is a way to recognize those who have committed to planned giving from a will, trust, or estate. The Vestry authorized its establishment in 2024.

Planned giving is arranging for a gift to be made either during the donor's lifetime or upon their death as part of overall financial or estate planning. It is a method of supporting St. Mark’s that enables the giver to make a larger contribution than they otherwise might be able to make solely from their current income.

A planned gift is an expression of the contributor's and their family's values. It is a way of saying that St. Mark’s matters greatly to them, and providing for its future is important. It is a wonderful way to create a meaningful legacy for the giver and their family.

All St. Mark’s planned giving donors will be recognized throughout the year in “The Lion” online newsletter, as well as in the Annual Report.

The wishes of those who prefer to remain anonymous will be honored.

Planned gifts to St. Mark’s may be made in many ways:

• Bequest in a will or trust

• Gift of life insurance or retirement account

• Charitable gift annuity

• Charitable lead or remainder trust

• Gift to a pooled income trust

Planned gifts may be directed to any of St. Mark’s financial resources, including:

• 1930 Trust — St. Mark’s Endowment, a perpetual fund from which pre-determined quarterly withdrawals are made to support current operating or capital funding needs.

• 1970 Trust — St. Mark’s “rainy day” fund from which the Vestry can authorize occasional withdrawals to meet unanticipated, critical, financial needs.

• Capital Accounts Fund — St. Mark’s primary funding source for capital improvements to our physical plant.

• Operating Fund — St. Mark’s primary funding source for our current fiscal year operations.