In a continuing effort to recognize and honor those friends and supporters of the Virginia Council of Churches who have remembered the Council through estate-related gifts, a special category of giving has been established. The Date Palm Society is intended to encompass all those who include the Council in their wills or in other forms of estate planning and deferred giving.
Membership is offered to those who:
- Include the Virginia Council of Churches in a will or in a codicil to a will as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary
- Enter into an agreement with the Council to purchase a gift annuity, an annuity trust, Unitrust, or other form of life income contract
- List the Council as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary in a life insurance policy or who make the Council the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy
Members will have their names listed each year in the Annual Report and Honor Roll of Donors. A membership card and pin bearing The Date Palm Society logo will be presented to each of the participating members. The Date Palm Society members will also be included in special ecumenical programs and events that the Council may conduct.
In providing bequests or establishing trusts, donors are always encouraged to use an attorney or other financial advisor. The General Minister will welcome the opportunity to work with individuals and their advisors in planning a future gift to the Council.