Ways to Give to Catholic Charities
The generosity of donors ensures that Catholic Charities’ comprehensive services are delivered to those in need. Individual donors have distinct reasons for giving to Catholic Charities. Additionally, there are a variety of ways to support Catholic Charities’ mission. Here is a diverse list of giving options for donors.
Methods of Giving to Catholic Charities today:
• Outright Giving
• Online Giving
• Stock Gifts
• In-kind Gifts
• We Care Card
• Matching Gifts
• Annual Fundraising Event
Outright Giving
Donors may give in response to Appeals and mailings, or mail gifts directly to Catholic Charities. Methods of outright giving include cash, personal checks, Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders, and credit cards. Mail to:
Catholic Charities
P.O. Box 070912
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0912
Online Giving
The “Click Here to Make an Online Donation” button on the Catholic Charities website takes donors to a simple form where billing, payment and donation information are entered. Online Giving ensures safe and prompt donation processing, and takes only minutes.
Stock Gifts
Stocks, bonds or any other securities can be transferred as gifts. Banks and brokers can assist donors with donating shares of stock. Giving the gift of stock also has benefits for the giver, who may avoid paying capital gains tax.
In-kind Gifts
In-kind gifts are donations of supplies and materials for programs. Examples include boxes of tissue or art supplies for Adult Day Services, diapers for infants in the Catholic Charities Foster Care Program and other clients with young children, and furniture, clothing and kitchen supplies for Refugee Resettlement. In-kind donations can be tax deductible.
We Care Card
You can support Catholic Charities while you shop. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Inc. is a participating member of Pick ‘N Save’s We Care Program, and receives a percentage of receipts from shoppers who register and use the Advantage Card. You can register with the Catholic Charities code of 106300 at all participating Pick ‘N Save stores.
Matching Gifts
Many companies offer a matching donation program and will match your gift, a spouse's gift, or a retired employee’s gift. Matching gifts may double your donation to Catholic Charities. Please contact your company’s Human Resources Department for more information on this option.
Annual Fundraising Event
Each year, Catholic Charities holds its annual Golf Classic and Dinner Auction to raise funds for its programs and services. Attending an event as a participant, donating items to our silent or voice auctions, or committing to a sponsorship level for the outing are all ways that you can help Catholic Charities with its fundraising goals.
Methods of giving to Catholic Charities through Planned Giving:
• Bequests
• Tribute Gifts
• IRA Rollover
• Life Insurance
• Charitable Gift Annuity
Bequests
Including Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Inc. in a will or revocable trust is private and easy to arrange. Donors creating the bequest to deliver a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the balance remaining in the estate, after expenses and taxes have been paid. Another option allows donors to create a bequest payable to Catholic Charities if the initial beneficiary is unable to inherit it.
Naming Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Inc. as a primary or secondary beneficiary of an IRA is an opportunity to make a legacy gift using assets that otherwise may be subject to significant taxes upon transfer.
Tribute Gifts
Tribute Gifts in memory or honor of someone are an excellent way to commemorate a special person or occasion while supporting the mission of Catholic Charities. When families request or designate memorial donations, their loved one becomes a permanent Legacy Member of Catholic Charities’ Good Samaritan Society.
IRA Rollover
Through December 31, 2009, a donor-friendly provision in the Financial Rescue Package legislation allows individuals to make a tax-exempt gift from otherwise taxable income from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). According to the provision donors must be age 70 ½ or older, the contribution must be a direct gift to a charity, and the cap on annual IRA rollovers is $100,000. Be sure to consult with your financial advisor or IRA plan administrator regarding this giving opportunity. All criteria must be met to fully maximize your charitable intentions and the tax-deductibility of your gifts.
Life Insurance
You may choose to designate Catholic Charities as the beneficiary, or partial beneficiary, of a life insurance policy. There is no income tax benefit with this option, but a possible estate tax benefit. You may also donate existing policies that are no longer needed. Tax deductions may be equal to the policy's cash replacement value. A donor may also purchase a policy and name Catholic Charities as the owner and beneficiary; the premiums you pay are fully tax deductible. At the donor's death, the charity receives the insurance proceeds.
Charitable Gift Annuity
A donor may transfer a specified amount of money or other property to Catholic Charities. In return, Catholic Charities will pay the donor a certain amount (annuity) each year for a specified term or for the remainder of your life. At the death of the beneficiary, Catholic Charities will use the principal in accordance with the terms of the gift.
Every individual’s situation is unique, and Catholic Charities encourages you to work with a trusted financial adviser to determine what options will work best for you.
If you have questions or would like more information on any of these giving opportunities, please contact Catholic Charities’ Advancement Director, Sandy Leske, at 414-769-3524 or sleske@ccmke.org