Investing with Faith / Jolinda Moore
Impact of a year-end gift can support the ministry of your passion
As temperatures fall along with the leaves, it’s natural for us to shift our focus to the upcoming holidays that are just around the corner. Once again, we’ll roast turkeys and gather in gratitude for all the blessings we’ve received from the God who loves us so well. And once again, we’ll reflect on all this year has brought us as it draws to a close.
But we can also reflect on the mercy and compassion we have brought to others in the name of Christ. And if we wish we had given just a little bit more, it’s good to know that it’s not too late.
We still have the opportunity to make an extra gift before the end of the year. The impact of gifts made at this time can be especially significant. We all know how colder weather and the holidays can make it more difficult to stretch the resources we have.
Where should you give? Here are a few opportunities to consider:
Give to the United Catholic Appeal (UCA). The UCA ensures that 100% of your gift goes to the ministries you choose to support. Young adult and college campus ministry? Check. Pro-life and family life? Check again. Seminarian formation and clergy retirement? Yes. Catholic Charities? Absolutely. And Catholic schools and parish catechetical programs too!
Every dollar you give to UCA funds the mission and ministry of Jesus in our parishes and communities—right here in central and southern Indiana.
Give to the Institute for Quality Education. For families in need, education isn’t just a way up, it’s a way out of poverty. Your gift through the Indiana State Tax Scholarship Program benefits students and families in the archdiocese’s 67 primary and secondary schools and gives you a 50% state tax credit. Want to support a particular school? Just direct your gift to the Catholic school of your choice.
How should you give? There are many options.
Make a gift from your individual retirement account (IRA). If you are age 70 ½ or older, it’s possible to make a direct transfer of funds from your IRA. An IRA charitable gift may reduce your tax liability by reducing your taxable income. If you are 72, your gift also counts toward the required minimum distribution! All you have to do is contact your custodian and request that an amount be transferred to the archdiocese for the benefit of the archdiocese, parish, school or ministry of your choice.
Give stock. Stock is as good as cash, and often better. A gift in the form of stock allows you to avoid capital gains taxes, receive an income tax deduction for the full value of your gift, and make a tremendous impact on ministry with no cash out-of-pocket.
Create a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Opening a DAF is easy, and it offers you a low-cost and less-restricted alternative to creating a private foundation. You can fund your DAF with cash, securities or other assets. Once established, it’s ready to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, not just now but in the future. Contact the Catholic Community Foundation to learn more.
When should you give?
That’s easy: Now. Remember, to take advantage of potential tax benefits, all end-of-year gifts must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2022. And don’t forget to ask your employer if your donation qualifies for a matching gift.
To learn more about end-of-year giving opportunities, please contact us at ccf@archindy.org or call 317-236-1482.
(Jolinda Moore is executive director of the archdiocesan Office of Stewardship and Development and the Catholic Community Foundation [CCF]. Tax or legal information provided herein is not intended as tax or legal advice. Always consult with your legal, tax or financial advisors before implementing any gift plan. If you would like to learn more about including your parish in your estate plans, please contact us any time. We exist to exclusively serve you and your parish in planned giving.) †