PLANNED GIVING

Charitable giving began over 6,000 years ago in the “Book of the Dead.” Like our contemporary concept of philanthropy, this book indicated that the Egyptians gave to make life happier and better for others. They gave bread to the hungry and water to the thirsty.

Philanthropy in America began in 1641 when three clergymen set out from Boston to London to raise funds for Harvard College. Charitable giving has since flourished in the United States as in no other country. Through good times and bad, prosperous and lean times, philanthropy has continued to express itself in the human spirit of giving. Charitable giving touches everyone in some way.

The federal government today recognizes the significant contribution religious organizations make to society and encourages charitable giving by providing tax incentives when a gift is made to a qualified charity. We strive to keep the availability, diversity and advantages of making a planned gift to the Marist Brothers before the public. Through careful planning you can identify the method for making a contribution which best fits your personal situation and maximize the impact your gift will have.

Gifts Can Be Made In A Number of Ways

• Cash Gifts can be used immediately and provide a tax savings to you. The majority of our friends support the Marist Brothers with a cash gift to our Annual Fund.
• Gifts of Stock or Securities owned for more than one year permit the full fair market value of the stock as a deduction while bypassing applicable capital gains taxes if it has appreciated.

Deferred Gifts May Take a Variety of Forms:

• Bequests/Wills offer an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to further the work and mission of the Brothers without drawing on your resources.
• Beneficiary Designations may name The Marist Brothers, Inc. as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, a retirement fund, IRA or Keogh account, a savings account or a Certificate of Deposit.
• Trusts and Annuities offer a means of making a significant gift to the Brothers while retaining a life income. Along with generous federal tax benefits, there are corresponding restrictions. A personal attorney or tax consultant should be contacted to determine the best plan for you.

All contributions are tax-deductible as provided by law. For additional information, please contact Br. Hugh Turley, F.M.S. at (773) 881-5343 or email him at [email protected].

Br. John Klein, F.M.S.
Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
The Marist Brothers
Provincial Development Office
4200 West 115th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 881-3788
[email protected]