A Gift Annuity is a contract between The LCMS Foundation and the donor. The donor transfers property (cash or publicly traded securities) to The LCMS Foundation and the Foundation promises to pay the annuity for one life or two lives. A Gift Annuity may be established with as little as $5,000. Many people choose to use low yield stock because a Gift Annuity often pays more. The amount of the Gift Annuity payment is determined when the gift is established, based on the amount of the gift, and the age of the annuitants.
After the death of the annuitant(s), the remainder of the gift is given to the donor-designated LCMS ministry. A Gift Annuity may support an LCMS congregation, school, college, seminary, or any ministry listed in the Lutheran Annual.