Empowering Legacies: Planned Giving and The Foundation

When it comes to estate planning, individuals often focus on providing for their loved ones and securing their financial future. However, incorporating charitable giving into estate planning can be a powerful way to leave a lasting legacy and positively impact the community. Charitable estate planning involves designating a portion of one's assets to charitable organizations, like The Foundation of the Diocese of Raleigh and/or the Diocese of Raleigh, in order to support causes close to their hearts. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of building an estate plan that includes charitable giving opportunities and explore the significance of supporting the Diocese of Raleigh in their efforts to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Understanding Charitable Estate Planning

Charitable estate planning allows individuals to distribute a part of their estate to charitable causes they feel passionate about. By including charitable donations in their wills, trusts, or beneficiary designations, individuals can ensure that their values and beliefs live on beyond their lifetime. Charitable gifts can take various forms, such as cash donations, appreciated assets, life insurance policies, or even the creation of endowments.

The Benefits of Charitable Estate Planning

1. Creating a Meaningful Legacy: Charitable estate planning enables individuals to leave behind a legacy that aligns with their philanthropic goals. It provides a chance to impact causes close to their heart, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, or supporting religious organizations like the Diocese of Raleigh.
2. Tax Advantages: Charitable contributions can lead to tax benefits during an individual's lifetime or reduce the estate's tax liability. By incorporating charitable giving into estate planning, one can optimize their financial position and fulfill their charitable intentions simultaneously. There are various methods to incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan, such as:

• Giving appreciated stock to a charity during your life & avoiding capital gains tax,
• Making a qualified contribution from your IRA,
• Making a bequest in your Will or Revocable Trust, and
• Naming a charity as the beneficiary of your retirement account.

3. Family Values and Philanthropy: Structuring your estate planning to include charitable contributions provides an opportunity to instill philanthropic values in the next generation. Involving family members in the process can foster a sense of responsibility towards giving back to the community.

Supporting the Diocese of Raleigh: Making a Difference

The Diocese of Raleigh, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant and active community committed to enriching the lives of its members and those in need. By supporting the Diocese through charitable estate planning, individuals can contribute to various initiatives and programs that positively impact the lives of the community members.

1. Education: The Diocese of Raleigh emphasizes quality education through its Catholic schools and religious education programs. Donations can support tuition assistance/scholarships, enhance educational facilities, and provide resources to nurture future leaders.
2. Community Outreach: The Diocese of Raleigh actively engages in outreach programs, aiding the less fortunate, supporting immigrants and refugees, and addressing social challenges. Charitable contributions can directly empower these initiatives, fostering positive change within the community.
3. Faith Formation: Donations toward spiritual growth & faith formation programs such as the Seminarian Partnership Program, supports our seminarians enabling them to grow in their intellectual and spiritual formation, ensuring a vibrant Diocese in the years to come.

Charitable estate planning is a meaningful way to combine the financial aspect of estate planning with the heartfelt desire to make a difference in the community. By supporting the Diocese of Raleigh, individuals can contribute to its mission of spreading compassion, education, and faith within the community and beyond. Through the power of charitable giving, individuals can create a lasting legacy that echoes their values and continues to impact lives for generations to come.

To learn more, please contact The Foundation of the Diocese of Raleigh on 919-568-1065 for more information on Estate Planning Webinars, in-person Seminars or one-on-one meetings.