Annual giving
Annual giving is the custom of making a yearly gift to an institution
in which one has faith. It is a friendly, happy custom –
a perennial reunion in spirit – a pooling of hope and
blessings by those who wish the institution well.
Pledge
A pledge is a commitment to contribute a specific amount of
money over a period of time. A pledge is a wonderful opportunity
to make a larger commitment to the Sisters of Charity, BVM than
would be possible from current income.
Memorial
and tribute gifts
Memorial and tribute gifts offer an opportunity to honor a relative,
a friend, a business associate for any special occasion – birthday, anniversary, promotion or some particular accomplishment.
The memorial gift also provides a thoughtful and appropriate
way to express sympathy at the moment and remembrance in the
future.
At the time of death
During a bereavement period, friends often seek an appropriate
means to express sympathy. The following message in the obituary
of the deceased provides an avenue to make a meaningful gift:
"Memorial gifts may be made to:
Sisters of Charity, BVM
1100 Carmel Drive
Dubuque, IA 52003-7991"
Planned gifts
Many planned gifts require the assistance of a legal or financial
advisor. Most planned gifts are deferred gifts, promising
future support of the Sisters of Charity, BVM. When naming
the Congregation as beneficiary of a bequest, insurance policy,
retirement plan or a trust, the donor should instruct the
lawyer that our corporate title is "Sisters of Charity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dubuque, Iowa.
Charitable bequests
A charitable bequest supports the work of the Sisters of Charity,
BVM after death. A charitable bequest may be included at the
time of writing a will or it may be added later by a codicil.
A bequest does not affect current income and may favorably
impact estate taxes owed.
Insurance policies
A review of insurance needs might disclose that some policies
are no longer useful as they once were. The cash value of
a policy that is no longer needed could be transferred to
the Sisters of Charity, BVM Congregation. It is also possible
to name the Congregation a beneficiary of a policy or to assign
dividends to the Congregation as current, tax-deductible gifts.
Charitable gift annuities
The plan allows the donor to make a gift to the Congregation
and receive fixed annual payments for life. The size of the
payments depends on the age of the donor at the time of the
gift. The donor receives a tax deduction for a portion of
the gift. If stocks or other properties that have increased
in value are given, the realized capital gains are reported
over a number of years. The gift annuity agreement can be
easily completed by mail. (Note: Congregation policy has some
age and gift restrictions.)
Charitable Trusts
A variety of trust instruments exist that can assist a donor
in estate planning while affording the opportunity to make
a significant contribution to the Sisters of Charity, BVM.
Sisters of Charity, BVM is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
As with any planned gift, please check with your attorney
and/or tax advisor before making any decision.
Retirement plans
Since there are substantial tax penalties for having too much
money left in a retirement plan, naming a nonprofit organization
could be beneficial. The Sisters of Charity, BVM Congregation
can be named first, second or last beneficiary for part or
all of a retirement fund.
Birdies for Charity® Program Birdies for Charity® is centered on the John Deere Classic PGA Tournament that takes place every July near Silvis, Illinois. Participants pledge a specific amount for each “birdie” made during the tournament by the PGA players (a birdie is a score of one stroke under par for any golf hole). OR, if you would prefer, you can make a flat contribution to the BVMs. After the tournament, you will be billed for the amount of your pledge. For example, if the PGA players make 1,500 “birdies” and your pledge is $.01 per “birdie,” you will be billed for $15. The BVMs will receive 100% of all donations, plus a percentage match from the John Deere Classic which has historically been 10% or more.
Go to www.birdiesforcharity.com to learn more and download a pledge form. The charity bird number for the Sisters of Charity, BVM is #1150.
Goodsearch.com GoodSearch.com is a new internet search engine with a unique social mission. It donates half its revenue from advertising sales to the charity its users designate. Select the Sisters of Charity, BVM as your organization of choice and the BVMs will earn approximately a penny each time you search the internet. You use GoodSearch.com just as you would any other internet search engine, and it is powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results!
iGive.com If you shop Online, log on to www.igive.com and make your purchase through the iGive shopping mall. Each of the hundreds of stores in this mall (e.g., LL Bean, Lands End, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Harry & David, Eddie Bauer, The Gap, ToysRUs, J.C. Penney, etc., to name a few) will donate a percentage of your purchase to your favorite cause. Choose the Sisters of Charity, BVM and your purchase will benefit the BVMs.
How to give
For more information about these or other ways to make a contribution,
please contact the Development Office at 563-588-2351. For
advice and assistance in making a planned gift, consult an
attorney or another professional advisor. State laws affect
wills, trusts and charitable gifts made in contractual agreement.The
explanatory material given on these pages is not meant to
offer legal or tax advice.
