Your legacy,
their future
Empower future generations of families by including Bethany in your estate plans, ensuring long-lasting support for children and families in need.
Build a brighter future for children
Around the world, children are facing crises that no child should endure—separation from family, the trauma of displacement, or growing up without the safety and support every child deserves. Whether it’s helping a struggling family stay together, offering a loving foster home, or providing comfort and care to a child fleeing violence, your support is a lifeline.
With a planned gift, you become part of a powerful story of healing, hope, and resilience. You help preserve families, restore childhoods, and rebuild futures. Your compassion doesn’t just change one life; it creates a legacy of love and safety that echoes through generations.
Together, we can ensure that every child, no matter their beginning, has a chance at a brighter future.
6 ways to give
What are my options?
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A stock donation is a tax-smart way to share your blessings with children and families. In many cases, you can receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock and avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation.
You can make your gift directly using the link below. If you prefer to donate through your broker, you’ll also find our transfer instructions available.
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Designate Bethany Christian Services as a beneficiary of an asset with FreeWill's easy-to-use software that helps guide you through the process!
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A donor-advised fund (DAF) offers a flexible, tax-efficient way to support children and families. You can give one-time or recurring gifts, and fund your DAF with cash, stock, securities, real estate, or cryptocurrency. This tool connects directly to your DAF, lets you designate how your gift should be used, and notifies Bethany of your intentions.
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Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), also known as IRA charitable rollovers, are the savviest way for individuals age 70½ or older to use their IRAs to maximize their charitable impact.
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For more information about Charitable Gift Annuities or to talk with a representative about our programs and ways to give, please contact us at (800)238-4269 or email giftplanning@bethany.org.
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You can use Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies to make a difference for children and families while enjoying extra tax benefits.
Gift planning made simple
We’re making it easier than ever to leave a legacy of love by partnering with FreeWill, a trusted online platform that simplifies the gift planning process.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. — Hebrews 13:16
Real impact of legacy giving
See how others are changing lives for generations to come through thoughtful, planned giving.
“Giving beyond our understanding”
- Garth and Mary’s Story
“Your support has a huge impact on so many kids in foster care. And it impacted me.”
Imagining better:
Bethany’s vision to change the world through family
Activating your church to champion families:
Closet of Hope
But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. - 1 John 3:26-18
Frequently asked questions
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The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Bethany Christian Services as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our Federal Tax ID Number (38-1405282)
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If you wish to include Bethany Christian Services in your estate plans, you will want to use our proper, legal name.
Suggested sample bequest language to your personal attorney would be:
I give to Bethany Christian Services, a nonprofit ministry with principal offices at 901 Eastern Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, the sum of (% or $) of the residue of my estate. I desire that these funds be used for (its general purposes or for the specific purpose of ). If, in its opinion, this specific purpose no longer exists, I authorize Bethany Christian Services to use these funds for a similar purpose.
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Planned giving provides significant benefits, including potential tax savings, income security during retirement, and the ability to leave a legacy that reflects your values. It also offers an opportunity to strengthen your faith by aligning your financial decisions with causes close to your heart, empowering future generations to thrive.
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Yes. Planned giving often provides significant tax benefits. Options like qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from retirement accounts, stock gifts, and donor-advised funds can reduce your taxable income while enabling you to maximize the impact of your contributions.
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Bethany’s planned giving team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us at giftplanning@bethany.org or (800)238-4269 for personalized assistance in crafting a plan that reflects your values and maximizes your impact.
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Involving your family in your giving ensures your values are passed on to the next generation. Options like donor-advised funds or structured family giving conversations allow you to engage loved ones in meaningful discussions about generosity, faith, and creating a shared legacy.
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A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that lets you contribute assets, grow them tax-free, and recommend grants to Bethany or other charities over time. Managed by organizations like the National Christian Foundation, a DAF simplifies your giving while creating opportunities to involve your family in the process.
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Your planned gift supports Bethany’s life-changing work, including adoption, foster care, refugee support, and family preservation. By including Bethany in your legacy, you help ensure these programs continue to transform lives and strengthen families.
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Your planned gift is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Bethany is committed to financial transparency and accountability, ensuring your contributions are used as intended to create lasting change for children and families. Your trust is central to everything we do.
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Life insurance is a flexible and impactful way to give. You can name Bethany as a beneficiary or transfer ownership of a policy you no longer need. This allows you to turn an existing asset into a gift that provides hope and care for vulnerable children and families.
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A CGA is a giving option that allows you to receive fixed income for life while supporting Bethany’s mission after your passing. By funding a CGA with cash, stocks, or other assets, you can enjoy consistent income, potential tax savings, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact for generations to come.
Need more personalized help?
Contact a Bethany gift planning specialist via phone (800)238-4269 or email giftplanning@bethany.org
