Charitable Gift Annuity
Funded by an IRA
A Charitable Gift Annuity funded by a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA (Legacy CGA) allows individuals to make a meaningful gift to ministry while receiving fixed lifetime income. These agreements are established with WAF or serviced by WAF on behalf of a partner ministry, and provide dependable payments to one or two annuitants, followed by a charitable benefit to the ministry of their choice.
Important Information about Legacy CGAs
Irrevocable
Legacy CGA agreements cannot be undone after they've been fully ratified.
Fixed Payment
The payment amount of the Legacy CGA is finalized in the agreement.
Termination
The final Legacy CGA payment is the one that precedes the annuitant’s passing.
Dear Friends,
For many believers, a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) offers a meaningful way to support ministry while receiving steady, reliable income for life. Now, with recent law changes, certain donors may be able to fund a CGA using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
This special opportunity allows you to make a lasting gift while also fulfilling part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—without increasing your taxable income.
What is a Legacy CGA?
A Legacy CGA is a simple agreement: you make a charitable gift, and in return, receive fixed income payments for life—often continuing to your spouse as well. Traditionally funded by cash or appreciated securities, CGAs can now also be funded with a one-time QCD from an IRA, if certain requirements are met.
Who can use a QCD to Fund a Legacy CGA from an IRA?
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You must be 70½ years or older at the time of the gift.
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The QCD must come directly from your IRA to the charitable organization.
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You may contribute up to $53,000 (2024 limit) toward a CGA once in your lifetime using a QCD.
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Payments can only be made to the donor and/or their spouse.
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The CGA must meet specific IRS rules to qualify.
Key Benefits
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Reliable, fixed payments for life—an income stream that doesn’t fluctuate with the market.
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Tax advantage: The QCD amount is excluded from your taxable income (though you won’t receive a charitable deduction).
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Simple way to fulfill RMD obligations while also supporting ministry.
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God-honoring stewardship: Your Legacy IRA becomes a tool for advancing Gospel work you care deeply about.
How to Get Started
Starting a Legacy CGA is simple. With basic information about the donor(s) and the gift amount, we can create an “illustration”—a document that highlights key details to help you decide whether to proceed.
For your illustration, please contact your preferred Adventist ministry/organization or contact WAF and speak with a development officer.
INFORMATIONAL APPLICATIONS (fillable PDF):
Please check your state to know which application you need:
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California & Illinois - Services offered through Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (PUA).
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Hawaii - Services offered through the Hawaiian Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
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Washington, Alabama, Maryland - WAF does not currently issue CGAs in these states. Please contact our office if you would like to discuss other planned giving options.
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All Other States - Services offered through Western Adventist Foundation.
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US Territories - WAF does not currently issue CGAs in the overseas territories of the United States.
READY TO PROCEED?
If you already have a custom illustration and are ready to proceed, please download your fillable Legacy CGA Application and send it with your funding check to Western Adventist Foundation.
USPS:
Western Adventist Foundation
Attn: Development Dept.
PO BOX 15430
Scottsdale, AZ 85267
FEDEX or UPS:
Western Adventist Foundation
Attn: Development Dept.
13825 N Northsight Blvd A-201
Scottsdale, AZ 85260