$5.8 million represents a 49 percent increase over the planned giving dollars raised through the Foundation in 2003. More than 100 more local Episcopal churches and ministries will have additional funds available to expand their work -- more resources across the board for soup kitchens, homeless shelters, overseas relief efforts, prison work and other important projects.

The Episcopal Church Foundation's Philanthropic Services Division seeks to encourage generosity among the faithful. To do this, the Foundation helps churches and church agencies implement gift planning programs, educate their donors about bequests and life-income gift plans, and encourage them to support their local ministries through planned gifts. The Foundation is currently managing over $45 million in life-income gifts, funds that will be released to nearly 1,000 designated Episcopal churches and church agencies when they mature.

Frederick Osborn III, director of Philanthropic Services at the Episcopal Church Foundation, believes this is just the beginning. "People are innately generous -- they want to help make the world a better place," he said, "but our society constantly preaches a scarcity mentality -- we're told over and over that we don't have enough. So, as much as we want to help, we fear we can't afford to!"

The Foundation can help people wisely make more substantial gifts than they thought possible, while giving them back a good income stream for the rest of their lives. "Gift Planning is not just for the wealthy," says Osborn. "Anyone can use their assets to create a life-income gift that will help support themselves and the causes they care about. We can all help Fund Future Ministry!"

Helping congregations, dioceses, and church agencies develop their financial resources is critically important to enabling them to continue their good work. For more information about how gift planning can benefit your church or ministry, please contact The Episcopal Church Foundation at 800.697.2858 or visit www.episcopalfoundation.org.