You don't need your name on a building to leave a legacy
“We are in the fourth quarter of our lives and want no regrets. We don’t want to wish we had done something and realize it's too late. So, that thinking spurred us to get our ducks in order and think about the important things.” - Barry Markl
What will your legacy be?
Barry’s dream wasn’t to have his name on the side of a building, but that didn’t stop him from finding ways to support Catholic initiatives that were close to his heart. He had the experts at the Catholic Community Foundation create a custom blueprint, allowing him to start building his legacy.
Barry says he is comfortable knowing that everything is “in good shape” and that leaving a legacy is not about seeing your name on a building but rather about making a compassionate impact that helps those in need.
Barry Markl discovered the Catholic Community Foundation five years ago while co-chairing the “Building Our Spiritual Home Campaign” for St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Scottsdale. Intrigued by Kyle Felix, a representative from the Catholic Community Foundation who worked alongside the committee, Barry learned that the Foundation was more than just a fundraising partner—it shared his values of transparency, honesty, and faith.
After retiring, Barry sought ways to give back to the community, realizing that his blessings were gifts from God that came with a responsibility to use wisely. While reevaluating their estate this year, Barry and his wife decided to involve the Catholic Community Foundation, trusting that they would respect their values and support causes meaningful to them.
Barry says he appreciates the Catholic Community Foundation’s flexibility, knowing their wishes will be honored. A portion of their gift will go to the Life-Forever Fund, which supports pro-life initiatives, including resources for pregnant mothers in need. Barry believes his journey to the Catholic Community Foundation was guided by faith. He encourages others to consider their Catholic values while supporting charitable organizations. He is grateful for the opportunity to create a legacy that will benefit others for generations to come.
Leaving Your Own Legacy
"For my father, education was paramount. He often told me and my siblings that he would go without the shirt on his back to ensure we received a Catholic education."
- Dr. Mary Francis Maloney, Perpetual Life Society Member and Endowment Fund Holder
“Amanda Durand wanted to give scholarships while she was still alive, which enabled her to meet the recipients, and that allowed them to know her. And that was really beautiful."
Sister Mary Jordan Hoover, Principal of JPII High School and Catholic Community Foundation Board Member
What to Consider in End-of-life Giving
Which organizations or areas do I want to impact?
Most importantly, where do you want your legacy gift to impact? What do you love? What do you want to see blossom or safeguard? It might be a charity or a general field of interest (e.g., protecting life).
Do I want my gift(s) to span generations?
Determining whether we want to impact our cause(s) for generations or to benefit today is an important step to determine the type of fund to house your legacy gift.
Do I want to restrict the use of my gift?
End-of-life gifts may be as specific as the timeline of use of the funds and/or the areas in which the funds may be used. Whether permanent or immediate, the Foundation will ensure your intent and wishes and fulfilled.
Do I want to involve my family or other loved ones?
Legacy gifts can be a great way to introduce your family to philanthropy by including them in the charitable selection process. It is important to consider whether this will last for one or more generations.
Do I want to include flexibility in my plan?
The goal is for your legacy to last forever. Just as today looks different from 1,000 years ago, 1,000 years from today will also look different, with new challenges for society and our faith. Selecting a fund advisor or alternative use can help adapt your fund for the uncertain future.
Why the Foundation?
We are a fiduciary
One of the Foundation’s primary functions is reassuring our donors that their wishes and intent will always be honored.
We have the experience
We have 40 years of experience in advising and managing charitable funds for the living and the deceased. With over 600 charitable funds managed, we have the breadth and depth of knowledge to ensure your plan is safeguarded and structured to accomplish your goals.
Flexibility and personal customization
No two charitable plans are alike. At the Foundation, we can be as specific or broad as your plan requires. We pride ourselves on providing custom solutions that help you give however you want.
We are you!
We are authentically Catholic, and our values guide everything we do: how we invest, make decisions, and serve our community. As a canonical and independent 501(c)(3), we pride ourselves on living our Catholic values in a way that best supports the Diocese of Phoenix region.
NANCY MADE RALPH'S MEMORY HIS LEGACY
Ralph Knight built a successful career in chemical engineering. He attributed his perseverance and faith to his aunt and uncle who made his education a priority for this son of Maine potato farmers.
After Ralph's passing in 2010, his wife Nancy established the Ralph M. Knight Scholarship Award to support Catholic high school seniors pursuing science and engineering, ensuring his legacy lived on.
In 2025, when this scholarship had assisted 15 students with their education, Nancy decided to convert the fund to an endowment, ensuring its growth and Ralph's passion for education and faith would continue to grow.