Developing Legacy Giving in Congregations

January 27, February 3, 10, and 17, 2026

Text Legacy typed on retro typewriter

Course Description and Expectations

Course participants—clergy, staff, and volunteer leaders in religious congregational settings—will develop the understanding and practical skills to launch or enhance a legacy giving program for their congregation.

  • Participants will review the compelling reasons for developing a legacy giving program—the demographics of generational wealth transfer, organizational sustainability, and personal & spiritual meaning for the giver(s).Participants will deepen their understanding of basic legacy gift vehicles and explore how their congregations can prepare to receive legacy gifts well.
  • Participants will analyze how they might identify and invite potential legacy donors to consider making gifts and practice the art of discussing questions of legacy with potential donors.
  • Participants will consider practical plans for publicity, developing a leadership team, and building positive momentum for their congregation’s legacy gift program.

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Date and structure of program:

  • The online learning platform opens Tuesday, January 20; the first plenary session is Tuesday, January 27.
  • The class will meet live online one time each week via Zoom:
    – Tuesdays (January 27-February 17): Interactive 90 minute plenary session at 5:00-6:30 pm Eastern Time.
  • Additional resources provided through the learning platform.
  • In total, you can expect about two hours each week for synchronous and asynchronous lessons.

Cost:

  • $399
  • Cancellations made by January 5, 2026 may receive a refund of the amount paid less the deposit and $15 processing fee, or may transfer to another offering. Cancellations after that date may transfer to another offering. Please submit cancellations in writing to iuconfs@iu.edu and anmbrock@iu.edu. 

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