A Transformative Gift Creates the Heritage of Sharing Legacy Fund in Celebration of 20th Anniversary

One pastor gave generously in his lifelong pastoral commitment to the American Baptist denomination as well as to MMBB through his estate. Predeceased by his beloved wife, he gifted a transformative sum upon his death to MMBB, designated solely for emergency assistance.

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Heritage of Sharing annual appeal in 2005, the receipt of this gift has been fortuitous. CEO Louis Barbarin, in collaboration with the MMBB Board of Managers, has opted to use the gift to establish a legacy fund to celebrate Heritage of Sharing in perpetuity. Seed funding from this anonymous gift totals more than $600,000.

“A gift of this magnitude affords MMBB the opportunity to harken back to our historical roots of philanthropy,” says Dr. Barbarin. “Much like our founders did with early, sizeable gifts, we are investing and managing this gift for the long-term benefit of those we serve.”

Beginning in 2025, the Heritage of Sharing Legacy Fund replaces the Heritage of Sharing annual appeal as the receptacle for gifts designated solely for emergency assistance. MMBB will retain and invest the principal and all subsequent gifts. An annual drawdown based on MMBB spending policy will provide emergency assistance to MMBB members who qualify.

Please note: MMBB will deposit all future legacy gifts designated to Heritage of Sharinginto the Heritage of Sharing Legacy Fund. If you have a legacy gift in place for Heritage ofSharing, you do not need to update your estate paperwork.