Giving Guide
We invite you to explore a variety of ways to help further the mission and vision of ITS.
Immediate Giving
The most common way to make a contribution. Click below to give immediately online, by check, or from a Donor Advised Fund.
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Click below to give online. You may give by credit card or enter an account and routing number to give directly from a bank account.
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To give by check you may click here to print a form to include with your check made payable to ITS. Simply mail these to:
Indianapolis Theological Seminary
8601 Hague Road
Indianapolis, IN 46256
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Several donors give to ITS from their Donor Advised Funds (through sponsoring organizations such as National Christian Foundation, Fidelity Charitable, and Schwab Charitable.)
Email Susan Albers if you want to learn more about this popular charitable giving tool or if you need help granting to ITS from your DAF.
Non-Cash Giving
While cash giving is most familiar, it is probably not the most cost-effective way for you to give. You may be able to increase your potential impact—and experience tax benefits—by giving non-cash assets.
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Long-term appreciated assets usually generate the most favorable tax benefits for a charitable gift. This could be stocks, bonds, or any kind of real property.
Do you have an asset that has appreciated over a year or more? This could be stocks or bonds, a mutual fund, a vacation home, or any other asset you own. If you sell that appreciated asset, you will be required to pay capital gains tax. Presently that amounts to 15% or 20% depending on your annual income.
Rather than sell the asset and write a check, you should consider transferring the asset to ITS. That way, ITS books the investment at a fair market value while you take an equivalent income tax deduction. Since the transaction avoids capital gains taxes, you can actually deduct more from your income that if you had given straight cash. Donating appreciated assets is a great way to maximize your charitable goals.
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
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When you give appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds), you may be eligible for a double tax benefit: 1) You receive an income tax deduction for the full, current, fair market value and 2) you may completely avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation. It is easier than you might think!
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
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Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from a retirement account (also known as Charitable IRA rollovers) are a great way to make a gift to ITS and save on taxes. Donors aged 70 1/2 and older are eligible to make a distribution from their IRA directly to favorite charities. Donors aged 73 (raised to 75 by 2033) are required to take a minimum distribution from their IRA each year. This required minimum distribution (RMD) can also be directed to a charity as a QCD. The QCD giving option is tax-advantageous because you are not required to pay income tax on charitable withdrawals from these accounts, plus the sum you give will not be included in your adjusted gross income.
You can also designate ITS as a primary or secondary beneficiary of your 401k, 403b, or IRA. At your death all remaining assets will be transferred to your chosen beneficiaries.
Email Susan Albers to learn more!
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A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is an easy-to-establish, flexible vehicle for charitable giving. You receive an income tax deduction in the year you make contributions to your DAF, and you can then spread your charitable giving over time. Essentially, a DAF is like a charitable checking account. There are several other benefits to establishing a Donor Advised Fund, including simplified receipts and the ability to donate complex non-cash assets..
Email Susan Albers to learn more!
Planned Giving
With a planned gift you can provide for loved ones, receive tax benefits, generate potential income and contribute to the mission and vision of ITS at the same time.
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Making a legacy gift in your will (or living trust) is one of the easiest ways to make a lasting impact on ITS. You simply designate ITS as the beneficiary of a portion of your asset(s).
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
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You can designate ITS as a beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account, or of a life insurance policy. You benefit by being able to continue using your account as long as needed, while possibly reducing the tax burden on your family upon your death.
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
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With a charitable gift annuity, you transfer your cash or appreciated asset(s) and receive fixed dollar payments for yourself or a loved one. The remainder of the annuity will be distributed to ITS.
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
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A charitable remainder trust enables you to receive income for life and avoid potential capital gains taxes, and provides you with a current charitable income tax deduction. The remainder of the trust is distributed to ITS.
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
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Create a current stream of income for ITS for a specific number of years by transferring cash or property to fund a lead trust which distributes the income to ITS for a term of years. At the end of the trust term, the trust distributes the trust assets to the designated non-charitable beneficiaries, such as to your children.
Email Susan Albers to learn more.
Indianapolis Theological Seminary (ITS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.
EIN#: 47-5669999
The information provided regarding your charitable giving should not be relied upon as legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice. To determine how a gift or estate planning decision might affect your particular circumstances, it is expressly recommended that you consult an attorney, financial advisor or other qualified professional.
We sometimes collaborate with the National Christian Foundation for the receipt of more complex gifts to the seminary, drawing on their expertise especially with non-cash gifts.