What would you do if someone wanted to name you as their principal successor on the condition that you donate all the money to charity after their death?
It happened to one older Christian who has a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) account with Stewardship. This experience has fuelled a remarkable journey of generosity and faithfulness.
Tell us about your journey with Stewardship and becoming a successor
The story begins over 40 years ago; at that time my friend and I were both working as support personnel with the Methodist Church in West Africa. When the national church became autonomous, we both returned to Europe to our professional lives, me to accountancy and the friend to a well-paid job in Luxembourg. My wife and I maintained contact with her, and, in later years, I acted as her accountant, eventually having power of attorney over her affairs when her health declined. Through visits and phone calls we talked about tithing and responsible giving and our joint experience of Christian work in Africa.
My wife and I had been personally connected to Stewardship for many years, using our account to give anonymously when this seemed appropriate. When my parents passed away we were able to arrange for part of my inheritance to be diverted to our Stewardship DAF account. This had the added effect of reducing taxes on my parents’ estate.
Our friend wanted to know more about Stewardship and in due course opened her own account. She decided that when she passed on she would leave the residue of her estate to Stewardship, with myself and my wife named as her 'successors'. Being successors means that we are able to make donations from this fund in our friend’s name to charities that are recognised by Stewardship. When we feel no longer able to do this we can pass on the full responsibility to Stewardship who will act according to our friend’s Expression of Wishes, which requests that the funds should be used for causes connected to discipleship and evangelism.
How have you found the process of opening a new Stewardship account for this purpose and managing funds from the friend’s legacy?
The process of dealing with two firms of solicitors, one in England and the other in Luxembourg, was long and stressful. Throughout that time, however, Stewardship’s Rachel Steeden, Head of Legal, was a constant source of help and encouragement. I am extremely grateful for the advice received and the way that Stewardship has supported us in our choice of charities and their programmes, in two instances welcoming them as new Stewardship Partners.
Most of the funds arrived from the solicitors in early 2024 and the setting up of the account has been straightforward. The ongoing process of making donations is not complicated. The Stewardship team is always ready to discuss the intended donation. Stewardship also offers various events, conferences and seminars, and other resources that we have used to help us.
What was your previous experience of generosity and planned giving?
We’ve always tithed as our response to God’s generosity to us. There were times when other budgets were tight and economies had to be made, but our 'giving fund' has always been a delight. We have been able to use it to make regular commitments to our church, and to Christian and development organisations. Occasionally we have been led to make a surprise, and sometimes secret gift in response to individual needs. When possible, we have used our DAF account for our giving.
How have you been changed by taking on the role of successors?
First, we have been amazed and humbled that a friend would trust us so completely to carry out her wishes after her death. We’ve also found it a great joy.
Being able to give significant sums is a real privilege, but brings with it the need to choose even more wisely than when donating from our own funds. As we are able to take on a part or all of a project, it is important to ask how the group is organised, who the leaders are and what funds they have raised for themselves. We appreciate the fact that Stewardship follows up with the recipients and requires interim reports when appropriate. Whether in larger or smaller amounts, ultimately we are handling God’s money. We shouldn’t hold on to it, but neither should we rush into spending. We have set a target for giving each year, but wait patiently for God to present the opportunities.
So far, we’ve supported a Conference for Christian students in Rwanda; a church strengthening programme amongst refugees in Cairo; and the building of simple accommodation for local church leaders to attend training in Uganda. These were all projects which might have remained on a 'wish list' without external funding.
Through becoming successors, we’ve been in contact with some inspirational people. We look forward to receiving reports of their work and hearing what God has planned for the future.
Find out more about legacies and the role of successors
For more information about leaving a legacy and the role of successors in legacy planning, please see our Guide to Leaving a Legacy
Stewardship may provide general guidance about charitable giving for information purposes only. We do not offer tax, legal or investment advice and you are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified professional on your specific situation.
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Matt Holderness
Matt joined Stewardship in 2022 with over twenty years of marketing experience from roles at Kendal College and Capernwray Bible School. He has degrees in Business and Marketing, Theology, Management and most recently a Masters in Hermeneutics.
Through raising awareness of Stewardship’s services, Matt helps people explore the impact their generosity can have on the church and Christian charities. He’s passionate about supporting Evangelism and Bible causes, and has a particular interest in charities that are helping people in Poverty and Debt in the UK.
