Gifts Tomorrow
Wills / Legacy Gifts
Testamentary giving through legacy and estate gifts allow you to make a lasting impact while providing first for the people you love. Donors often structure these gifts through bequests in a will, distributions from a living trust, or beneficiary designations on IRAs and other retirement accounts. Because these gifts are planned in advance, they can be one of the most accessible ways to include ministry in your long-term stewardship. Consult with your attorney or tax advisor to ensure your gift aligns with your estate plan.
Who is this for?
This option is a fit for donors who are reviewing estate plans, beneficiary designations, or long-term charitable goals and want to include Denison Ministries in that process.
This might be right for you if:
- You want to create a legacy gift without changing your current giving rhythm.
- You are already updating a will, trust, or beneficiary designation.
- You want to care for loved ones first while still supporting ministry for the future.
Why this gift?
How it may benefit you
Legacy and estate giving can often be arranged without affecting your resources during your lifetime. Many donors value that these gifts are typically:
flexible and revocable while plans are still developing,
easy to structure as a fixed amount, percentage, or remainder gift, and
well suited to family-first planning.
How it helps the mission
A future gift can help Denison Ministries continue to equip believers for years to come through biblical clarity, devotional formation, family discipleship resources, and Bible study teaching. Legacy and estate giving often become one of the most meaningful long-term expressions of partnership with the ministry.
How it works
-
1
Choose the giving vehicle that fits
That may be a will, a living trust, or a beneficiary designation on a retirement account or insurance policy.
-
2
Work with your attorney or advisor
Your estate planning team can help you structure the gift to align with your family and stewardship goals.
-
3
Include Denison Ministries in the documents
You can name a dollar amount, percentage, or residual gift, depending on your desires at the time.
-
4
Notify Denison Ministries
While not required, telling us about your plans can help us thank you well and understand your intent.
Examples
Mary establishes a living trust that directs 10% of her remaining assets to Denison Ministries upon her passing. The trust passes its assets outside of Mary’s will, provides first for her family, and helps her mission-focused legacy continue for generations.
Carlos names Denison Ministries as a 20% beneficiary of his $400,000 IRA. Upon his passing, Denison Ministries receives $80,000, while his other beneficiaries receive the remaining balance.
A legacy or estate giving bequest can be as simple as “I give, devise and bequeath to Denison Ministries, a Texas nonprofit corporation located at 17304 Preston Road, Suite 1060, Dallas, TX 75252, EIN: 26-3191442 the sum of $____ (or ____% of my estate) to be used for general ministry purposes.” Be sure to consult with your estate planning professional as part of making any such gift.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to take the next step?
If you are thinking about an estate or legacy bequest or beneficiary designation, our donor team can help you start the conversation and share sample language.
Email: donors@denisonministries.org
EIN: 26-3191442
Denison Ministries does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your advisors. Gift acceptance is subject to Denison Ministries' Gift Acceptance Guidelines.