The Royal Heritage Society

What is the Royal Heritage Society and how does one become a member? Quite simply, the Royal Heritage Society is comprised of people who have included Bethel in their estate plan. Many Royal Heritage Society members are also regular contributors to the Annual Fund.

Through the years, Bethel University has benefited significantly from the generous support alumni, faculty, staff, and friends have shared through gifts and bequests. The Royal Heritage Society is Bethel’s way of acknowledging the faithfulness of individuals who provide for Bethel through their estate planning.

There are a variety ways to make such a gift—will bequests, revocable living trusts, or by designating Bethel as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan or insurance policy. Some donors take advantage of charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts that provide income now and a gift to Bethel later. It is also possible to establish an endowed scholarship fund or provide a memorial gift.

“Individuals from all walks of life are able to benefit from making an estate gift to Bethel,” says Dan Wiersum, associate vice president for planned giving. “From the retired pastor with limited funds, to the successful business woman with a large estate, creative estate planning can help provide more income to surviving family members PLUS make a sizeable gift to support ministries at Bethel. And often there are tax benefits as well.”

Gifts bestowed through estate planning support capital improvements, endowment growth, scholarships, academic programs, and a variety of vital services and programs.

Benefits for Royal Heritage Society Members

Besides the profound sense of gratification that comes with making a personal contribution to the important mission of Christian higher education, membership in the Royal Heritage Society entitles donors to potential income and estate tax benefits, as well as subscriptions to Bethel Investor and a weekly eNewsletter with helpful articles on Social Security, healthcare, Washington events and other timely information. Members also enjoy special Royal Heritage Society events throughout the year.

For information on becoming a Royal Heritage Society member, please contact Dan Wiersum at 651.635.8052, or 800.255.8706, ext. 8052.