The Celebration Society

A note from Renovaré President Ted Harro

Some time ago, Gretchen and I sat with our estate planning lawyer to review our will. Our lawyer is thorough and methodical, so every five years we review the plans for when we graduate to “Life, Part II.”

Beyond providing resources for our family, we discussed which causes we want to create a legacy for. Here’s the approach we came up with. For each arena of our giving strategy—education, Christian leadership development, economic empowerment, social justice—we chose a leading non-profit with the staying power to continue its mission for a long time..

Just as important as an organization’s capability and longevity, we considered our personal connection to its mission. That’s why we decided to make a bequest to Renovaré. While many organizations are doing wonderful work in the world of Christian spiritual formation, we believe Renovaré is poised to continue doing so for a long time. We are glad that—in our small way—we can continue to help people go deeper into the with-God life after our time on earth is complete.

Thank you for considering your own participation in The Celebration Society.

Warmly,

Ted Harro
Renovaré President

About The Celebration Society and How To Participate

What is it?

The Celebration Society is a generous group of Renovaré supporters who want to create a legacy of inside-out transformation into Christlikeness in future generations. These supporters make a bequest to Renovaré’s work in their estate plans. They notify Renovaré of their intention to help the ministry plan more effectively for the future, and can also select from a number of board-governed funds with missional impact.

How does it fit with Renovaré’s mission?

Over time, legacy giving provides financial reserves that will increase Renovaré’s ability to weather financial downturns and to accelerate strategic initiatives beyond the scope of the annual operating budget.

Why does it matter?

Legacy giving provides our community the opportunity to extend Renovaré’s mission of inside-out transformation to future generations. Like many nonprofits, Renovaré’s mission depends on charitable contributions and program revenues for its annual budget. Legacy giving provides margin to smooth out fluctuations in those funding sources and to fund more visionary/strategic work outside of the annual funding cycle. Bottom line, legacy giving strengthens Renovaré’s sustainability and better positions us to take on prayerfully considered new initiatives.

How will funds be used?

Supporters may direct bequests toward several board-governed funds. Examples could include:
- A Vision Fund that provides funds to support new ministry activities
- An Operating Endowment that supplies consistent cash flow to the mission
- A Scholarship Fund to encourage participation in programs such as the Renovaré Institute or our Pastors Retreat by younger, more ethnically diverse, and/or people engaged in full-time ministry
Annual operating budgets will not be based on the receipt of future bequests.
The guidelines for how Renovaré handles gifts, including bequests, are contained in the board-adopted Gift Acceptance Policy.

What can members of The Celebration Society expect to receive?

A gift box with signed copies of Celebration of Discipline and Worth Celebrating on notification of their bequest
An annual or semi-annual letter providing inside perspectives on our plans for the future
An annual video call providing updates and the opportunity for interaction with board and staff members

How can I participate?

Those who do not yet have a will can use a streamlined online tool at FreeWill to create a will at no cost.
Those who already have a will can notify Renovaré of their intention using this simple online form.

Can I talk with someone at Renovaré?

Yes. Email [email protected]. We're happy to set up a phone call or Zoom to answer any questions you have.