Watch a brief video about the power of creating a legacy.
By treating the Church as an additional child in your will, you can help ensure your parish will be there for the next family just as it was for you.
Reach Your Philanthropic and Financial Goals with Planned Giving
A legacy gift enables you to support the Catholic Church, secures the financial needs of your loved ones, and provides you with tax benefits. Legacy gifts of all sizes combine to help strengthen a thriving faith community for the next generation.
By including one or several of the Church’s ministries in your will or trust, naming a Catholic charity as a beneficiary of all or part of a life insurance policy, or taking advantage of other giving opportunities, you can preserve your assets now and arrange future support for years to come. Your gift will have a real, lasting impact.
Let us help you make the gift that's right for you.
Request a confidential, no-obligation conversation to get started.
Get in touch with usJoin Light of Christ Legacy Society
When you make a gift through the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan from your will or trust, you'll be welcomed into Light of Christ Legacy Society. The incredible generosity of donors like you is critical to ensuring the work of the Catholic Church for years to come. A bequest of any size to a Catholic parish, school, or ministry helps leave a legacy of faith to the causes you care most about.
Meet Our Donors
Donors just like you have made a real impact just by adding a few words to their will or using one of the many giving options available.
Called to Give, Inspired to Lead
Richard and Kathy Sweers
Richard and Kathy Sweers, members of the Light of Christ Legacy Society, share how their faith and service led them to include Catholic Charities West Michigan in their future legacy plans.
Called to Serve
Deacon Jerry and Susan Roersma
Both Deacon Jerry and Susan Roersma have been deeply rooted in the life of the Church since their earliest years.
Faith in Action
Marie and Monica Burns
For sisters Marie and Monica Burns, giving is deeply rooted in their Catholic faith and family values.
A Greater Purpose
Rev. Ernest J. Bernott
Rev. Ernest J. Bernott May 10, 1922 — May 13, 2020
Pay it Forward
Joe and Marie Reynolds ’39
Joe and Marie Reynolds ’39 were childhood sweethearts.
A Path of Generosity
Duane Kluting
As West Catholic grows and prospers, we must deliver the capability to assist students who do not have the resources to cover the full cost of tuition.
For the Children
Helen and Paul Walsh
When attorney Patricia (Pat) Esch first met Helen Walsh, she was impressed by Helen’s bravery.
Faith, Family, and Service
Ken Boerma
Strong Role Models Shape Ken’s Journey
Small Acts, Big Impact
Jean Margaret Johnson and Nanette Marie Goupil
Lifelong Friends Leave a Quiet yet Powerful Legacy
Inspiring Generations
Dave and Sarah Faber
The Fabers share what inspires them to create a legacy of giving and gratitude.
Ways to Give
Not only do you have options for how your gift will be used, you also have options on what to give and how to give. There are gifts that cost you nothing now, gifts that pay you income, and gifts that allow you to decide what happens when.
Gifts from your will
Through a provision in your written and executed will, you can make a gift in the form of cash, securities, real estate or personal property. There are many types of bequests. Choose the one that best fits your needs and intentions.
Download Bequest Language
Beneficiary Designation and Grants
Establish a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) through the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan and designate your parish, Catholic school, or ministry as a beneficiary to receive all or a portion of the balance of your Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
Learn More about DAFs
Gifts from Your IRA
If you're 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan or one of its funds. While there is no charitable deduction for a rollover gift, you avoid the income tax on the donated portion of your required minimum distribution.
Download IRA Rollover Information
Beneficiary Designation and Paid-Up Policies
Name the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan or one of its funds as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy; donate an existing, paid-up life insurance policy you no longer need; or purchase a new life insurance policy and name the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan as the owner and beneficiary.
Learn More about Life Insurance
Real Estate and Other Valuables
Like stock, the fair market value of gifts of appreciated assets such as real estate, artwork, and other well curated collections, can be deducted from your income tax today and reduce your estate taxes in the future.
Download Real Estate Gift Information
Retirement Accounts
Naming Catholic Foundation of West Michigan as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh, profit-sharing pension plan or other donor-advised funds, will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings.
Download Beneficiary Gifts
Appreciated Stock
When you donate appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares instead of cash, you'll receive charitable deductions at full, fair market value while reducing capital gains impact.
Download Stock Transfer Information
Other Planned Giving Vehicles
There are many other ways to support the church through a planned giving vehicle. Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Trusts, Life Insurance and more may be good options for you. We can show you creative ways to use your assets to benefit the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan or one of its funds, while at the same time preserving the benefits of those assets for you and your family.
Contact Us to Discuss Your OptionsLet's get in touch
-
Teresa Reid
Executive Director
treid@cfwmi.org
(616) 333-1641
360 Division Ave. S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
-
Sarah Sobel
Gift Planning Officer
(616) 475-1251
360 Division Ave. S
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
-
For Professional Advisors
This practical guide can assist you and your clients in creating a charitable estate plan.
- Download Advisor Guide