Since 1997, the Mosaic Society has honored those who have included St. Bart’s in their estate plans. Named for the iconic artistry that adorns our church home, the Society celebrates a growing community of parishioners and friends who, in planning their own legacies, are building a foundation for the Church’s future.
Joining is simple: There are no dues or obligations; membership is simply our way of saying "thank you"; and recognizing your commitment to our shared ministry across generations.
PLANNING YOUR GIFT
Estate gifts have long played a meaningful role in our parish’s life, ensuring its vitality for future generations. Through planned giving, you can create a legacy reflective of your deepest values while advancing your own financial and philanthropic goals. It is important to realize that you need not be wealthy to make a planned gift. Whether you would like to make a gift that costs you nothing during your lifetime, or one that provides guaranteed income for life, St. Bart’s can assist with your planning process.
All planned gifts to St. Bart’s are deeply appreciated. As you consider yours, please know that unrestricted gifts are especially valuable because they provide the Church with the flexibility to meet whichever needs are most urgent at the time. If you do prefer to designate your gift to benefit a particular program, we recommend contacting us in advance so that we may assist you with the language and ensure that your intentions are honored. There are many ways to make a planned gift, and this web page introduces the most common options. We encourage you to consider your legacy at St. Bart’s and to talk with your advisers about including St. Bart’s in your plans. We are grateful for your abiding faith and generosity.
COMMON VEHICLES FOR PLANNED GIFTS
Bequests
Bequests are the most common way to support St. Bart’s in one’s estate planning. To bequeath a specific sum, one’s will could include language such as:
“I give and bequeath to St. Bartholomew’s Church in the City of New York the sum of $_______.”
Or to make a gift of a portion of your estate:
“I give, devise and bequeath to St. Bartholomew’s Church in the City of New York ______% of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
A charitable bequest is deductible for estates subject to state and federal estate taxes, and you retain life use and ownership of your property. Please note that bequest language and requirements often vary by state due to differences in state-specific estate, trust, and probate laws. While general language as set forth above is common in the State of New York, legal counsel should be consulted to ensure compliance with local state statutes, particularly regarding specific assets, tax regulations, or charitable gifts.
Tax-deferred Retirement Plans
One might also consider making St. Bart’s the full or partial beneficiary of a 401(k) plan and/or an individual retirement account (IRA). Naming St. Bart’s as a beneficiary of your retirement plan may allow the full amount of the gift to pass directly to the church, tax-free.
Gifts of Life Insurance
There are several ways to benefit St. Bart’s through gifts of life insurance. These include making St. Bart’s the owner and/or beneficiary of an existing policy or purchasing a new policy and making St. Bart’s its owner and/or beneficiary. The replacement value of a paid-up policy, or any continuing premium payments, would be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Gifts of life insurance can enable one to make a larger gift than would otherwise be presently possible.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Charitable gift annuities are available for annuitants 65 and older through the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF). A charitable gift annuity is both a charitable gift, with certain tax benefits, and an annuity which provides annual income to you, a portion of which may be tax-free.
Charitable Remainder, Lead Unitrust and Annuity Trusts
The Charitable Remainder Trust (CRAT, CRUT, CLAT, CLUT) is another charitable giving vehicle that, depending on structure, may allow a donor to bypass capital gains tax on the sale of highly appreciated assets, generate an increase in income, receive a charitable income tax deduction, and perhaps receive a reduction in estate taxes while fulfilling one’s philanthropic objectives for St. Bart’s.
Family Foundations and Donor-Advised Funds
Many individuals and families have created family foundations or donor-advised funds. These are possible ways to benefit the Church now and in the future. A donor’s transfers to both types of vehicles are charitable gifts, and the vehicles then benefit the designated charity.
HOW DO I JOIN THE MOSAIC SOCIETY?
Joining the Mosaic Society is simple: Just inform the Development Office that you have included St.Bart’s in your estate plan by filling out the bequest intent form available at the links below. You may also call the Development Office to discuss your intentions.
Download St. Bart's Bequest Intent Form
Completed bequest intent forms can be placed in the collection plate or mailed to:
St. Bart’s
325 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attn: Development Office
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Susannah Wade Lewis, Director of Development , 212-378-0278
This information is intended, and should not be relied upon as legal or tax advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial adviser for guidance in determining the planned gift approach that is right for you and your family.