Foundation for the Future

What is the Foundation for the Future?

Salem’s Foundation for the Future was created to support long-term ministries that transform lives and share the love of Jesus with a world in need. With a little planning, your gift can be a meaningful testament to your faith, an inspiration to your family and friends, and a force for life changing ministry in St. Louis and beyond for future generations.

Where do the funds go?

All gifts are invested at the Missouri Methodist Foundation and distributions are managed by Salem’s Leadership Board. Giving funds to ministries in the areas of: Music, Scholarship, Mission, Buildings, and Future Ministries.

How to Give

There are many ways to give! Planned Gifts can come from various assets, including cash, securities, retirement plans/IRA assets, estate or trust gifts, or life insurance benefits. We encourage you to complete a Donor Declaration form to help direct the use of your Planned Gift to Salem. You can also give now to honor a loved one or an important life event. Contributions of all sizes are appreciated.

Donor DeclarationDonate in Honor or CelebrationDonate to Foundation

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Can I give a gift at any time?

Yes, you can give a gift at any time—whether it's a planned gift or an immediate donation to honor a loved one or celebrate a significant life event. Every gift, regardless of size or timing, contributes to making a meaningful impact.

Can I Designate?

Yes, funds may be designated to ministries areas of: Music, Scholarship, Mission, Buildings, Future Ministries, or Undesignated.

Five simple ways to create your own legacy gift in 15 minutes or less:

Create a partial beneficiary designation on your retirement account (IRA, 401K, 403B).

Create a partial beneficiary designation on your life insurance policy.

Create a partial beneficiary designation on your health savings account (HSA).

Add a “Payable on Death” designation on an account at your bank.

Create a one-page codicil or amendment to include a bequest in your will or trust.

Honor a loved one or an important life event in your family by making a gift to celebrate.

Make a gift now

Including a charitable bequest as a part of your will is a great way for you to provide long-term support Salem’s Foundation for the Future while also effectively managing your estate. Making a charitable bequest is easy. If you want to leave a bequest to Salem’s Foundation for the Future, you must specifically do so in a will or trust. Your will or personal trusts are legal records of your wishes regarding how your assets should be handled at your death. Instructions regarding the dispensation of your assets are called bequests.

Charitable Bequests are not subject to estate or inheritance taxes, therefore reducing the tax burden of an estate. Charitable bequests also provide flexibility because they may be changed at any time. Your estate will be entitled to a charitable deduction for the full, fair market value of your gift. Salem’s Foundation for the Future can assist you and your attorney with standard legal language necessary to establish your charitable bequest.

A retirement plan is one of the most tax-efficient assets to leave to Salem’s Foundation for a Future after death. While most inherited assets are free from income tax, heirs must pay taxes on distributions from retirement accounts like 401(k) or IRAs. Donating these taxable assets to a charity, like Salem’s Foundation for the Future, can help avoid this tax burden, while non-taxable assets can be passed to heirs.

If you no longer need a life insurance policy originally purchased to protect your family, business, or estate, consider assigning it irrevocably to Salem’s Foundation for a Future for immediate tax benefits.

Gifting life insurance allows you to make a significant contribution, even with modest means, through a deferred gift. This way, your future donation supports your charitable goals without affecting your estate left to family.

You can also purchase a new policy, naming Salem’s Foundation for a Future as both owner and beneficiary. Premium payments are tax-deductible, and giving life insurance won’t impact your current income.

If you desire to contribute to Salem’s Foundation for a Future anytime during life, please contact Executive Director Rev. Deborah LeMoine to discuss your charitable intent. Donors who give during life get to see the benefits of their gifts and realize the tax benefits of giving.

Donating stock is a simple and effective way to give. If the stock has increased in value, you can avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and receive a charitable deduction for the full market value at the time of the donation.

While Salem’s Foundation for the Future does not offer management services for Donor Advised Funds, we can help you explore options for establishing a Donor Advised Fund.