As we celebrate National Make-a-Will Month this August, there’s no better time to reflect on how a Catholic planned gift can secure your legacy while deepening your faith. At the Catholic Community Foundation, we’re here to guide you in creating a gift that honors your spiritual journey and supports the Church for generations.
What Is a Catholic Planned Gift?
A Catholic planned gift is a thoughtful way to support the Church through your estate plan, such as a bequest in your will, a trust, or a beneficiary designation. It’s a commitment to the future, ensuring your values live on through parishes, Catholic schools, or ministries you cherish. During National Make-a-Will Month, the Catholic Community Foundation encourages you to consider how this gift can reflect your faith. It’s a chance to make a lasting impact while planning wisely.
The Catholic Community Foundation has seen how these gifts transform communities. By including a Catholic planned gift in your will or trust, you’re not just giving—you’re building a legacy that strengthens the Church’s mission for years to come.
Why National Make-a-Will Month Matters
August is National Make-a-Will Month, a reminder to take control of your legacy. A will or trust ensures your wishes are honored, and adding a Catholic planned gift lets you support the causes closest to your heart. It’s a moment to pause and think about how your resources can serve your family and your faith. The Catholic Community Foundation is here to make this process simple and meaningful.
By acting during National Make-a-Will Month, you gain peace of mind knowing your legacy is secure. The Catholic Community Foundation partners with you to ensure your Catholic planned gift aligns with your spiritual and financial goals, making this month a perfect time to start.
The Spiritual Impact of Your Gift
A Catholic planned gift is more than a financial decision—it’s an act of stewardship, reflecting the Catholic call to share God’s blessings. Whether it funds a parish’s outreach or a student’s education, your gift carries your faith forward, touching lives in ways you may never see. The Catholic Community Foundation is honored to steward these gifts, ensuring they support the Church’s mission in ways that resonate with your values.
This act of giving feels deeply personal because it is. At the Catholic Community Foundation, we take time to understand your story, helping you craft a Catholic planned gift that mirrors your spiritual journey and strengthens the Church you love. Read Dr. Mary Frances Maloney’s story about how the Foundation “Blew her mind!” when she discovered everything it could do to establish her legacy.
Planning with Ease and Purpose
Creating a Catholic planned gift is simpler than you might think, especially during National Make-a-Will Month. Contact the Catholic Community Foundation to discuss your vision—perhaps supporting a specific ministry or a general fund for Catholic causes. Options like a bequest or naming us as a beneficiary of your retirement account are flexible and straightforward. Explore more at our planned giving page.
The Catholic Community Foundation makes the process seamless, working with your financial or legal advisors to ensure your gift fits your estate plan. It’s a practical way to leave a lasting mark without complexity.
Will vs. Trust
“Do I need a will or a trust?” is the most common question when forming an estate plan. However, when choosing between a will and a trust, your charitable intent is not the only consideration in determining which tool best serves your overall needs.
The primary factors determining whether a will or trust is right for you are the types of assets you own, the nature of your beneficiaries, and the level of control you want to exert over those assets. Take these factors into consideration when preparing a will:
- Optimal for estates less than < $75,000
- Can be used in addition to beneficiary designations for other assets
- Optimal when giving outright gifts without restrictions.
- Risk of being contested by heirs or other parties with a claim
- It can take longer to make it to the charity if contested/probated
Take these factors into consideration when preparing a trust:
- Optimal for estates greater than >$75,000
- Can be used in addition to beneficiary designations, but generally, all beneficiary designations point to the trust.
- Optimal for when there are restrictions on the gifts/disbursements
- Higher cost than a will
- Charities get gifts quicker
A Legacy Rooted in Faith
Imagine your gift sustaining a parish’s ministry or inspiring a young person’s faith decades from now. A Catholic planned gift is your story, written in acts of love that endure. National Make-a-Will Month is the perfect time to take this step, and the Catholic Community Foundation is ready to help you shape a legacy that reflects your faith. Learn more at our legacy giving page.
Your Catholic planned gift is a bridge between your faith today and the Church’s tomorrow. If you’re inspired to act this National Make-a-Will Month or have questions, contact the Catholic Community Foundation today. Let’s craft a legacy that shines with faith—what will your gift inspire?