Stewardship is our grateful response in recognizing and receiving God’s gifts of our time, talent and treasure, and sharing these gifts in love with God and neighbor. Please pray for the success of the effort, consider a gift of your talent by serving as a volunteer at your parish and/or school and thoughtfully discern a sacrificial gift.

There are many options to help meet your preferences while supporting the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign in a meaningful way. Selecting the best gift plan depends on your personal financial situation and goals. You may want to consider stretching pledges over a five-year period to maximize the total amount of support. This commitment can be fulfilled through monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual installments.

Pledges are commitments made in good faith. Because tax laws change and each situation is unique, donors are encouraged to consult with their financial adviser to determine which method of contributing is most beneficial.

We encourage all donors to consider a 10-20% initial investment to begin your commitment to ensure a bright future for Catholic schools and education that is On Mission, Affordable and Accessible for our families and students.

Check/Credit Card/Automatic Payment are the most common giving methods and will make funds immediately available to address the initiatives of Stewardship for Saints and Scholars. Donating is as simple as writing a check or setting up automatic electronic payment on your credit card or from your bank account. Checks should be made payable to “Stewardship for Saints and Scholars” and mailed to: The Catholic Foundation, 101 S. Washington Square, Suite 620, Lansing, MI 48933. To make a gift or pledge electronically via credit card or automatic payment, Click Here.

Donor-Advised Funds
Donors also can utilize donor-advised funds for the benefit of the campaign. Click Here for information about how to make a gift from your donor-advised fund.

Gifts of Securities
Gifts of stocks, bonds or mutual funds are encouraged when supporters want to make a charitable gift and avoid capital gains tax. Click Here for information about how to make a gift of securities.

Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA
Benefactors can make charitable gifts using funds from tax-deferred individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Donors may use this strategy to satisfy part or all of their required minimum distribution and lower overall tax liability to benefit the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign. Click Here for information about how to make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA.

Planned Gifts
Planned gifts provide opportunities to make a meaningful commitment to the campaign now as part of your financial and estate planning. Such gifts can allow donors to accomplish charitable giving goals and take advantage of tax laws. Opportunities may include:

• Bequests from a will or a living trust
• Life insurance
• Real estate
• Designating The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lansing as a beneficiary (for example, brokerage transfer on death agreement, retirement account beneficiaries or life insurance beneficiaries)
• Various trust options (for example, a charitable lead trust) 

This information is not intended as legal advice. You are advised to consult your own qualified professional adviser for specific recommendations.

Contact Donor Services of The Catholic Foundation at 517-253-8792 for assistance in making a pledge or gift to the campaign.