Leaving a Legacy That Lasts

Hello friends,

My name is Jim Smith, and I’m honored to serve as the Director of Development at Christ’s Body Ministries in downtown Denver. For nearly four decades, this ministry has served the homeless community with food, clothing, and spiritual direction—and now, we’re inviting you to partner with us in a new and lasting way.

Today, I want to talk with you about legacy.

Before joining Christ’s Body, I spent over 25 years in the financial planning industry. I’ve brought that experience into my work here because I believe there’s a powerful opportunity for generosity—not just during our lifetimes, but far beyond.

Why Legacy Giving Matters

Legacy giving can be a game-changer for ministries like ours. While Christ’s Body has received incredible support from our donors over the years, we’ve seen relatively little in the way of planned legacy gifts. That’s something we hope to change—because planned giving allows us to look ahead, dream big, and create a more sustainable future.

Instead of just managing month-to-month, year-to-year, legacy gifts empower us to think long-term. They give us the ability to plan, to grow, and to serve more people with deeper impact.

Giving Now and Later

When most people think about legacy giving, they picture a donation that happens after someone has passed away. And while that’s one form of it—such as including a bequest in your will or trust—legacy giving can also happen while you’re still living.

Here are just a few examples:

• IRA Giving: Did you know that if you leave your IRA to your children, they’ll have to pay taxes on it? But if you donate it to a charity like Christ’s Body, that money comes to us tax-free, and you receive a full deduction. It’s a win-win.

• Appreciated Stocks: If you’ve held onto stocks that have significantly appreciated in value, you can donate them directly to the ministry. Not only do you avoid paying capital gains tax, but you also get a full charitable deduction.

• Beneficiary Redesignation: Another simple and powerful option is to name Christ’s Body as a beneficiary on an account, policy, or retirement fund. This doesn’t require changing your will—it’s as easy as filling out a form with your financial institution.

Keep the Mission Going

We often say that legacy giving allows your heartbeat to continue in the life of Christ’s Body Ministries. By making us part of your long-term financial plans, you’re helping us carry on the mission of love, service, and transformation for years to come.

Whether through a bequest, a trust, or strategic giving today, your generosity can leave a legacy of hope for Denver’s homeless community.

Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give. If you have questions or want to learn more, I’d love to talk with you. Together, we can build a future filled with compassion, care, and Christ’s love.