Inspiring Generous Hearts
A Note from the Executive Director
Greg Deja

A lot has happened in 2020, and yet an outpouring of your gifts has lifted the Catholic community to meet these unprecedented challenges. Thank you! Now, at the end of this tax year, there are special ways you and your family can make your gifts go further while living your Catholic values. While it may not be the perfect timing for you to give online cash donations, there are other creative ways in which to give your time, your assets, or prepare blessings for others in the future. Please prayerfully consider what resources God has placed in your hands this season. A contribution in any amount is greatly appreciated and makes for a very thoughtful gift this Christmas season. May your generosity – in whatever form it takes – be initiated by faith, hope, and love, all of which are abundant in Christ this season of Advent.

Sincerely,
Greg Deja
2020 Year-End Giving
A unique year with unique opportunities 

NEW “Universal” Charitable Deduction in 2020 
Under CARES Act legislation, taxpayers who take the standard (non-itemized) deduction can make up to $300 of charitable gifts to the Catholic Foundation or other qualified charities and enjoy an above-the-line universal deduction for that amount. Taxpayers who itemize can make cash gifts and deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.  

Donor Advised Funds 
Making a donation from your donor advised fund (DAF) is a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to give to the Catholic Foundation. Not only does the Catholic Foundation receive grants from a DAF, but you also can now establish your own DAF here at the Catholic Foundation. Contact us to learn about the many advantages of this type of fund.  

Appreciated Securities 
Gifts of appreciated securities allow you a charitable gift tax deduction and enable you to avoid capital gains tax on any increase in value since you bought the stock.
 
IRA Charitable Distribution
Though required minimum distributions are suspended for the 2020 calendar year, donors age 70 ½ and older can still give from their IRA, incurring no tax and lowering future required minimum distributions. 

Your Will or Trust 
A gift in your will or trust is a lasting way to honor or remember loved ones and invest in the valuable ministries that impact and sustain our Christ-centered community.  
Disclaimer: We are not accountants and this does not constitute as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional.
View our GIVING GUIDE to learn how to:
Prioritize Your Passions
Set Your Time Horizon
Explore Giving Approaches
Determine How You’d Like to Be Recognized

What will your legacy be?
Let’s start a conversation.
Read these stories and reflect on the “then and now” of our 25th Anniversary in our 2019-2020 Annual Report.
Getting to Know the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan 
You Probably Didn't Know:
We partner with organizations (i.e. Catholic Charities of West Michigan) who share our Catholic values by investing and stewarding their endowed funds to help further their mission today and sustain their faith-filled work for years to come. 

You May Not Know:
The Catholic Foundation is an independent entity from the Diocese of Grand Rapids with its own 501(c)(3) designation, by-laws, audit, lay and religious trustees, and staff professionals. It functions, however, as an integral part of the Diocese of Grand Rapids and the entire Catholic community.  

We Want You to Know:
The Catholic Foundation is committed to socially-responsible investment strategies that align with Catholic teachings. Our investments are committed to protecting human life, promoting human dignity, pursuing economic justice, reducing arms production, protecting the environment, and encouraging corporate responsibility.