Gifts of Cash (Give Today!)
Gifts of cash to Catholic Charities may be made outright or pledged over a period of up to three years. Checks should be made payable to Catholic Charities. If you itemize your federal tax return, your gift may be fully tax deductable up to the limits as prescribed by law. Catholic Charities is identified as a 501(c )(3) charitable organization. Please consult with your professional tax advisor on all matters pertaining to the tax deductibility of your donations.
Matthew 25 Giving Society
The Matthew 25 Society is a society of faithful donors to Catholic Charities pledged to help care for “the least of these…”. To become a Matthew 25 Society member, a minimum pledge of $500 per year is required. Payment may be given as a one-time gift or through monthly or quarterly payments. The Society helps provide a steady stream of funding year-round in support of the many works and programs of Catholic Charities. (learn more…..)
Gifts of Appreciated Property
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other assets can be donated to Catholic Charities. You may claim a charitable income tax deduction equal to the full fair market value of the property at the time of transfer. (Contact your professional tax advisor for full details.)
Gifts of Real Estate*
You can make a gift of real estate to Catholic Charities and receive substantial tax benefits. For an outright gift of real estate, a donor may receive a charitable income tax deduction based of the fair market (appraised) value of the property. Through a retained life state, you may make a gift of your personal residence, but retain the right to live in it during your lifetime. Real estate may also be used to provide a life income stream through a charitable remainder trust or other gift planning options. Please consult your tax professional. Acceptance of all forms of real estate donations is subject to review by the Catholic Charities Board of Directors.
Life Income Gifts*
Donors may make a gift to Catholic Charities and receive direct financial benefits including an income for life for the donor and/or the donor’s spouse, and a charitable income tax deduction. Popular options include charitable gift annuities and the deferred gift annuity. These options require a minimum gift of at least $5,000, and the gift may be designated to benefit any existing program at Catholic Charities.
Charitable Gift Annuity*
A gift annuity is a contract between the donor and Catholic Charities. The donor makes a gift and receives a guaranteed payment for life and a charitable income tax deduction. The payout rate is based on the age of the donor at the time the gift is made. Charitable gift annuities may be funded with cash or securities. Payouts may be made annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly.
Deferred Gift Annuity*
A deferred gift annuity operates like an IRA and is similar to a charitable gift annuity, except that payments to the donor are deferred to a future date. In addition, the donor obtains a substantial charitable income tax deduction in the year the gift is made. A deferred gift annuity is an excellent way for a younger to middle-aged donor to make a gift and receive a charitable income tax deduction now while providing income for the future.
Charitable Remainder Trusts*
For gifts in excess of $100,000, a personalized life income gift that provides a donor with a lifetime income and a charitable income tax deduction. The donor selects the payout rate, usually between 5 and 8 percent, providing the donor and the donor’s spouse with an income every year for life. The higher the payout rate, the lower the charitable income tax deduction. If the donor funds the trust with appreciated securities, the donor may avoid capital gains tax.
Estate Planning*
For many donors, a gift made through a will or trust is the most realistic way to make a major gift while reducing the size of their estates to minimize estate taxes. Through a bequest, a donor may leave Catholic Charities a specific dollar amount, for example, $100,000, or a specific percentage, such as 25% of the estate. Donors who make bequests to Catholic Charities receive federal estate tax charitable deductions.
*Please consult with your CPA, lawyer, or estate planning professional for more information on any of the above. Catholic Charities works in conjunction with The Catholic Foundation for all Life Income Gifts and Endowments