Planned Giving

Giving Through Your Will or Estate Plan

The Mackenzie Heritage Society At Hartford Seminary

The Mackenzie Heritage Society at Hartford Seminary is comprised of people who have provided for Hartford Seminary in their estate plans. The Society is named for William Douglas McKenzie, President of Hartford Seminary from 1903-1930.

Hartford Seminary’s Heritage

Hartford Seminary traces its roots to 1833, when a group of Congregational ministers formed the Pastoral Union of Connecticut to train ministerial leadership for the churches. They organized a school, which opened the following year. The founders hoped that close ties would develop between this new seminary and the Congregational Churches of Connecticut, so that these churches would look upon the Seminary as their institution and provide financial support. The school survived and thrived.

Mission and Support Today

As throughout its history, Hartford Seminary today lives out its dedication to the concept of praxis -- putting thought and belief into action in support of faithful living. The Seminary today receives support from churches and people of all denominations, and relies on the generosity of individual, corporate and foundation donors, including the estate plans of individuals, to continue to serve as a leader in theological education and research, and in advancing understanding and acceptance through interfaith dialogue.

The importance of Planned Giving, to you and to organizations you value Estate planning is important to every individual, regardless of the size of his or her estate. It provides everyone with the opportunity to determine who will receive the property he or she owns, and in what amounts or proportions the property will be distributed. Without an estate plan, these decisions will be made by someone who did not know you, and was unaware of the values and causes which you cherish. Estate planning is also vital to organizations such as Hartford Seminary. Many planned gifts made to Hartford Seminary, unless otherwise restricted by the donor, provide income from the Seminary’s endowment, year after year, to support its core academic programs. These include scholarships for deserving students; research; teaching in theology, scripture and contemporary ethics; the preparation of clergy for ministry; and creating an environment in which religious differences can be discussed.

Benefits to the Donor:

The benefits of having an estate plan are considerable.

You can make a gift which will last as long as Hartford Seminary endures, a gift which produces income for vital programs, year after year.

You make a gift which reflects your own personal interests and goals, a gift which you have freely chosen for this purpose.

You give what you have always wanted to give, but cannot afford to give during your lifetime.

You reduce or eliminate estate or inheritance taxes, either now or to be paid by your estate or your survivors.

Confidentiality: No one need know of your estate plans during your lifetime, or even following your death, if you prefer.

Simplicity: estate planning is easy to do, and to understand

Flexibility:

• you can give any asset--cash or non-cash
• you can give any amount, large or small
• you can change many estate plans at any time

Satisfaction: You have the assurance that your gift will help what you have chosen

Some Types of Planned Gifts to Consider

Bequests are the most common form of planned gifts. They are easy to execute. Types of bequests include:

An Outright Gift: You may designate a specific amount or percentage of your estate to benefit Hartford Seminary.

A Residual Gift: You may designate a share of your estate, or the entire remainder of your estate, after your loved ones are provided for. A Contingent Gift: You may designate Hartford Seminary as beneficiary in the event that your primary heirs predecease you.

You may also “perpetuate” your annual gift in a bequest. For example, a bequest of $10,000, held in trust and producing income at 5%, will continue or provide a $500 annual gift, year after year.

A “memorial” bequest, made in your name or in memory of a family or loved one, ensures an enduring tribute to those who love and value the mission of Hartford Seminary.

A life insurance policy which cites Hartford Seminary as the beneficiary and on which the donor pays the annual premiums, is another way to make a planned gift.

There are also planned gifts to consider which can benefit you during your lifetime, or benefit both Hartford Seminary and your loved ones.

Just two examples are:

A Charitable Gift Annuity will guarantee you an annual lifetime income, after which time the principal becomes the property of the Seminary

Certain trusts can produce income to benefit the Seminary for a defined period of years, after which the principal reverts to you, or becomes the property of a person whom you choose.

To Join the Mackenzie Heritage Society

Establish an estate plan, and include Hartford Seminary among the beneficiaries; or

Update your existing estate plan to include Hartford Seminary; or

Let us know if your have already included Hartford Seminary in your estate plan, or even if you intend to do so.

Hartford Seminary welcomes your inquiries, which are all held in strict confidence, and stands ready to assist you. We also strongly advise and encourage donors to always consult with their own attorney or trusted advisor as well.

For more information, please feel free to contact the Director of Institutional Advancement at (860) 509-9556 or send an email to giving@hartsem.edu.

What began in 1833 with a vision for developing leadership in
ministry has evolved today into renowned center for
scholarship, research and dialogue.

The vision of the founders of Hartford Seminary has flourished.
Their legacy is intact, in many ways because of the generosity
and foresight demonstrated by those whose gifts support its work
That generosity, and their wisdom and planning, enrich us.

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