A simple way to give, with tax-deductible benefits, cash provides immediate assistance to Catholic Charities.

Stocks, mutual funds, and other assets can be donated as a planned gift. The donor receives a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the investment on the transfer date, thus avoiding the payment of capital market value of the donated asset if higher.

A bequest is a gift that is designated to Catholic Charities through a Will or a Trust. Upon your death, we receive a specific amount of money or property, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after expenses.

Some planned gifts enable you to receive income from your charitable donation for the remainder of your life, or the life of your spouse or other loved one. You receive a substantial charitable tax deduction in the year you make the gift, and the gift produces income each year, a portion of which could be tax free. A Deferred Gift Annuity allows you to defer income until a later time. This feature is especially attractive to younger individuals who may not need the immediate income.

This type of gift also provides you with a safe, secure source of income during your lifetime. By permanently transferring personal assets to a Charitable Trust you receive a charitable tax deduction now, and income for the rest of your life, while making a substantial gift to Catholic Charities. Upon your death the remainder of the assets in the Trust plus accrued income is transferred to Catholic Charities.

A Charitable Lead Trust is the reverse of a Charitable Remainder Trust. It may be set up during your lifetime or at the time of death. When the trust ends, the remaining property including all appreciation passes to the beneficiaries you choose.

You may own a life insurance policy which was purchased for a specific purpose that no longer exists. Donating a paid-up life insurance policy enables you to make a substantial charitable gift upon your death, while entitling you to a charitable tax deduction during your lifetime.

A tax-deferred account like an IRA or 401(k) may be subject to both estate and income taxes at death. Therefore, a tax-deferred account makes an ideal charitable gift, because Catholic Charities is not subject to these taxes.

The distribution of the charitable funds may be spread out over many years. You can provide direction each year as to which charities receive annual distributions from the fund.

A life estate is a type of planned gift that enables you to donate a residence to Catholic Charities. You receive a charitable income tax deduction for the gift, while you and your spouse or loved one may continue to live in the home until death.