Planned Giving
There are many ways to sustain EMS and future students!
Gifts made to EMS through wills and other planned gifts position the school to continue calling students to faith, excellence, integrity, and service long into the future.
- Estate gifts often strengthen the EMS endowment, joining other funds that will continue to grow and sustain EMS, far into our 2nd Century.
- Other planned gifts take capital projects like We Gather from a dream to reality!
Giving is a personal decision and must be right for your and your family. Deferred gifts are an excellent way for you to:
- receive significant benefits while you’re living
- leave a legacy for the benefit of future generations
- minimize tax obligations.
Watch the video above to learn how one family's endowment is blessing future generations.
When you list EMS in your will or as a beneficiary of your assets through a planned gift, you join the 1917 Circle. You join other supporters who have created a plan that leaves a legacy for others in ways that honor you, your family, and God! If you have already included EMS in your estate planning, please let us know so we can add your name. You will receive invitations to select events, special communications, and appreciation for this meaningful commitment. Eastern Mennonite School was founded in 1917, and as we move into our 2nd Century, we want to honor those who had the foresight and vision to plan for future generations of students!
Creative Charitable Planned Gifts:
Assets like
- Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
- IRAs or other retirement accounts
- Real estate, and personal property
- Donor-Advised Funds
Deferred Gifts
- Charitable bequests (thru wills)
- Life Insurance beneficiary
- Donor-Advised Fund beneficiary
Gifts that give back to you or your heirs
- Charitable Gift Annuity
- Charitable Remainder Trust
- Life Estate Agreements
- Charitable Lead Trusts
Summary of ways to give
Download PDF of giving methods.
| Giving Method | Best For | How It Works | Key Benefits / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Gift (Credit/Debit/ACH) | Quick, one-time or recurring support | Give securely through our website with a credit card or bank transfer. Set up a one-time or monthly gift. | Immediate tax deduction; convenient and flexible. |
| Check by Mail | Traditional giving or larger gifts | Mail a check payable to Eastern Mennonite School (EMS) to the Advancement Office. | No transaction fees; deduction applies in the year the check is mailed. (Consider employer matching if applicable.) |
| Stock or Securities Transfer | Appreciated investments | Transfer stock or securities to EMS. | Avoid capital gains tax and deduct the full market value. Contact our office for transfer instructions. |
| IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) | Donors age 70½+ | Have your IRA custodian send funds directly to EMS to meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). | Reduces taxable income while supporting students. |
| Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) | Donors with existing DAF accounts | Recommend a grant to EMS from your fund, or list EMS as a beneficiary. | Simple and tax-efficient; request through your DAF custodian’s portal. |
| Planned Gift (Bequest or Estate) | Legacy-minded donors | Include EMS in your will, estate plan, or as a beneficiary. | May reduce estate taxes and leave a lasting legacy for future students. |
| Charitable Trust (CRT or CLT) | Donors seeking income and legacy benefits | Establish a trust that provides income during your lifetime or benefits EMS for a set term (Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust). | Offers income, capital gains, and estate tax advantages; requires legal setup—consult your advisor. |
| Business Tax Credit Program (EISTC) | Virginia business owners | Contribute through the Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit program. | Earn a 65% Virginia state tax credit plus federal deduction; funds student scholarships. |
Contact us
We can help you plan through our relationships with trusted attorneys, wealth advisors, Everence, and The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg/Rockingham. If you are interested in more information about planned giving, please contact us!
Paul Leaman
Head of School
540-236-6012
leamanp@easternmennonite.org
Trisha Blosser
Development Officer
540-236-6024
blossert@easternmennonite.org
English 
Español de México