Make a Charitable Gift
Bethel New Life appreciates the contributions of our many supporters as we faithfully innovate to create a community of choice on Chicago's Westside. We offer many ways to contribute, so please consider one of the following.
To discuss these and other opportunities to support our work, please contact our Resource Development Office at 773-473-7870 or tbanks@bethelnewlife.org.
Ways to Give
Annual Gifts | Corporate and Foundation Gifts | Planned Gifts | Endowment
Annual Gifts
Yearly support of Bethel is an integral part of Bethel’s current financial stability and its future growth. Annual unrestricted gifts, if given regularly, have the same effect as income from endowment and are critical in the support of Bethel’s efforts to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build neighborhoods and will be recognized in Bethel’s annual report.
Corporate and Foundation Gifts
Foundation, corporation and organizations support is vital to Bethel’s mission. These gifts support a broad range of programs and initiatives. We welcome the opportunity to explore partnership opportunities with your foundation, corporation or organization.
Gumbo Gala
Every year as a celebration, we experience Mardi Gras with Gumbo Gala, our premiere fundraising event. This year marks the 21st Gumbo Gala which will be held in the Great Hall at Union Station on Tuesday, February 13 from 6pm until 10pm. We are seeking corporations, foundations, individuals and other groups to join us for this very festive event. Learn more about Gumbo Gala.
Planned Gifts: Wills and Bequests
A gift through your will is one way to support Bethel. A will is a technical document that can be drafted by your attorney and may be revised and updated as your wishes, intentions and circumstances may change. Assets including cash, securities, real estate and tangible personal property may be gifted to Bethel New Life through your estate.
Bethel encourages you to contact your attorney to determine the arrangements that fit your needs and wishes.
Endowment
Bethel New Life Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Illinois in accord with Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is organized to support the work of Bethel New Life and its affiliated charitable organizations.
ENDOWMENT CHALLENGES
Mary and David Nelson Society
The vision and commitment of Mary Nelson, founding President and CEO of Bethel New Life Inc., and David Nelson, former Pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, made Bethel a reality in 1979. Membership in the Society is available for Endowment Fund gifts of cash or marketable securities of $5,000 to $9,999 which are in addition to and do not replace or diminish the donor’s annual support of the operating fund, and will be recognized in Bethel’s annual report. These gifts honor the legacy of Mary and David Nelson and may be made on behalf of someone else – such as in memory of a special individual or to honor a retirement, special accomplishment, or anniversary.
The Isaiah Society
God’s vision through Isaiah of a restored society is the basis for Bethel’s existence. Permanent recognition is provided on the Wall of Restoration prominently displayed in Bethel’s lobby and at annual Society meetings. Gifts during lifetime grow prior to the donor’s death and are treated separately from deferred gifts such as bequests and beneficiary grants from life insurance, retirement plans, etc. Gifts and commitments are recognized at these levels:
| |
Lifetime Gifts |
Deferred Gifts |
| Empowerment Level |
$10,000+ |
$20,000+ |
| Family Strength Level |
$25,000+ |
$50,000+ |
| Neighborhood Builder Level |
$50,000+ |
$100,000+ |
| Community Advocate Level |
$100,000+ |
$250,000+ |
| Foundation Circle |
$500,000+ |
$1,000,000+ |
Contact the Resource Development Office at 773-473-7870 or e-mail us. |
