There are many ways to give to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Educational Trust Fund. Gifts can be made outright, payable over a period of time, or given through a will or trust. All gifts to the Educational Trust Fund invest in our students, our mission and our future.
In 2016, the Educational Trust Fund Board of Trustees created the Legacy Society. Members of the Legacy Society have expressed their commitment to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School by naming the Educational Trust Fund as the beneficiary of a planned gift.
The easiest way to make a planned gift is to name the St. Francis of Assisi Educational Trust Fund in your will or trust for the benefit of Catholic education upon your death. The bequest can be of any amount and can consist of appreciated stock/securities, cash, life insurance, real estate, personal property, retirement assets, or anything else of value. Your membership in the Legacy Society allows us to recognize and thank you for your generous plans.
Appreciated Stock/Securities
“Appreciated” stock (stock that has increased in value) is one of the most popular assets used for charitable giving. The appreciated value is treated as a charitable deduction to the donor. With careful planning, you can reduce or even avoid federal capital gains tax, allowing the full value of the asset to be put to use.
Cash Contributions
A cash gift is the simplest and most common way to support the Educational Trust Fund. Cash gifts, or authorized credit card charges, are deductible for all taxpayers who itemize deductions, making the net cost for the donor lower than the face value of the gift. Cash gifts can be made in memory of a friend or loved one at the time of death, or to remember a significant date each year. A cash donation can also be made in honor of someone to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
Life Insurance
The Educational Trust Fund can be the special beneficiary of a Life Insurance policy. Existing policies may be partially or fully paid-up and no longer needed. New policies may offer an affordable future benefit. This type of gift can be practical and generous.
Real Estate and Personal Property
Both gifts of real estate (farmland, residences and commercial property) and personal property (“collectibles” i.e., antiques, artwork, coin collections, etc.) qualify as charitable gifts that can benefit the Educational Trust Fund. These types of gifts shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Educational Trust Fund document dated October 31, 2000.
Retirement Assets
By naming the Educational Trust Fund as a beneficiary of a percentage or full amount of your Individual Retirement Account, 401k, 403b, 457, or other qualified retirement plan, you can easily leave a gift to the ETF.
Company Matching Funds
The Educational Trust Fund can benefit from Corporate Matching Gift Programs. Many companies sponsor programs that augment their employees’ personal contributions without increasing the obligation of the individual donor. Most participating companies will match employee gifts dollar for dollar, and some will even double- or triple-match a gift. Check with your employer regarding this gift option.