It’s a sad fact, but need always exists, even when the economy is flourishing. And, when times are tough and need is the greatest, people have the least to give. Thanks to the kindness and sacrifice of caring, forward-thinking people, Catholic Charities has been able to sustain its mission and programs even during the challenges and drain on resources manifested by hard times.

How we’re funded
About 80 percent of Catholic Charities’ budget is funded by the diocese, private grants, the government, and contributions to United Ways in Allen, DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, and St. Joseph counties. The remaining funds come from people like you, who believe in the importance of the agency’s mission.

How donations are used
Donations to Catholic Charities are used to fund the many programs the agency provides to improve and enrich the lives of people of all ages. Catholic Charities strives to keep its administrative costs at a minimum so that every donated dollar possible goes toward helping people.

How to make a donation
You can contribute in a wide variety of ways, from gifts of money, stock, and property to planned-giving options that provide a lasting legacy.

Giving options
The most common donations are outright gifts of money, either in cash or by check. Outright gifts may also include stock and personal property. With outright gifts, you can claim an immediate income-tax deduction and adapt your donation to meet the agency’s immediate needs.

However, you may want to keep your money and other assets right now to ensure that you and your family can meet current and future financial needs. That’s where “planned” giving comes into play.

Planned gifts can be revocable or irrevocable. Revocable gifts can be changed in the event that your financial situation changes. With irrevocable gifts, you retain your assets for the present, but enjoy tax or other benefits of the gift right away, just as with an outright gift.

Catholic Charities is more than happy to help you explore your giving options. Nonetheless, you’re encouraged to consult an attorney or financial advisor before making any major decision.

Planned giving
The following are some of the most popular planned-giving options. Please read these brief descriptions to see if one of these options may be a good fit for you. If you believe in all the wonderful things Catholic Charities does to make our communities stronger, it’s never too early to establish your legacy with a gift that will enable the agency to continue our important work for years to come.

Living trust
This is established to take effect during your lifetime and may lead to a reduction in estate tax if the agency is the beneficiary of the trust remainder. Terms of the trust can be changed at any time.

Will bequest
You can leave the agency a gift in your will. This allows you to make provisions for your family first and can result in a reduction in estate tax.

Life insurance
You can name the agency as beneficiary on an old or new life insurance policy. This provides a way to make a significant gift while enjoying an immediate income-tax deduction for the value of the policy.

Retirement plan
This is a gift made by naming Catholic Charities as remainder beneficiary to receive your gift after your death. It preserves the value of the plan and allows you to leave heirs less costly bequests.

Real estate gift
This is a donation of real property, either in full or with a retained life estate. You can live in your home and enjoy a charitable deduction and no capital-gains tax.

Charitable remainder annuity trust
This trust pays a set income to you or those you name before the agency receives the remainder, and can result in income-tax savings from deduction, no capital-gains tax liability, and possible estate-tax savings.

Charitable remainder unitrust
This trust pays a variable income to you or those you name before the agency receives the remainder. It provides an annual income that could increase if trust value increases, income-tax savings, no capital-gains tax liability, and possible estate-tax savings.

Charitable gift annuity
This is a contract in which the agency agrees to pay you a percentage of your gift annually for your lifetime. You and/or another beneficiary will enjoy a set income for life, you’ll get an immediate income-tax deduction for part of the value of the gift, and capital gains will be spread out over your life expectancy.

Charitable lead trust
This pays the agency an income for a period of years before you or your heirs receive the trust remainder. This can provide gift or estate-tax savings for the value of payments made to a charity and allows you to pass assets to heirs intact at a reduced cost.

To discuss your giving options, please contact our executive director by clicking here.