Thank you for your interest in supporting Catholic Charities. There are a variety of ways to make a significant gift to Catholic Charities. This page illustrates some of the ways one can increase and advance personal and estate planning interests while providing support for Catholic Charities.
We are pleased to work with prospective donors in
determining how they may wish to make a gift. This
page is intended to provide simple examples of complicated transactions, but Catholic Charities does not give tax advice. Donors should consult with their own financial and tax advisors before finalizing a gift.
For further information, please contact Catholic Charities at 515-237-5078 or at tradke@dmdiocese.org.
Cash Gifts: Cash gifts are important to Catholic Charities and are one of the most common types of charitable gifts made. This may be because writing a check is a simple way to provide immediate support to Catholic Charities and provides an uncomplicated way for you to receive a charitable deduction. With a cash donation, you instantly receive the satisfaction of knowing Catholic Charities is putting your gift to work immediately on behalf of our clients. You can download a donation form here to make a gift using your Mastercard, Visa or personal check. If writing a check, please make it payable to: Catholic Charities and mail to:
Catholic Charities Development Office
601 Grand Avenue
Des Moines IA 50309
We recommend your envelope be postmarked by December 31 of the tax year for which you wish to receive the deduction.
Memorial Contributions: You may wish to name Catholic Charities as the recipient of any memorial contributions given upon your death. Often, family and friends wish to honor a loved one by making a donation in their memory. This can be mentioned in any death notice or obituary. You can download a form by clicking here.
The Gift of Giving: Looking for an alternative way to honor someone on a birthday, anniversary or holiday? Make a contribution in their name to Catholic Charities. We will notify them of your gift! You can download a form by clicking here.
Special Events: Throughout the year, Catholic Charities has many exciting special events with numerous ways to participate! You or your business may be interested in sponsoring an event or buying a ticket to attend. Special events provide an opportunity for Catholic Charities to share our mission as well as raise needed funds to support our programs. For further information, please contact Catholic Charities at 515-237-5078 or at tradke@dmdiocese.org.
The Art of Healing
Step Up to the Plate: Catholic Charities Night at the Iowa Cubs
Catholic Charities Golf Classic
No Room at the Inn
Matching Gifts: You should check with your employer to take advantage of matching programs offered by many employers. A matching gift leverages a donor’s gift to a higher level.
Marketable Securities: A gift of marketable securities, which are otherwise subject to long-term capital gains, is often advantageous. Avoid payment of capital gains tax on the increase in the value of the stock. Receive a deduction for full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift, subject to limitations.
Bequests and Gifts from Living Trusts: A bequest is a type of deferred gift. A charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity allows you to make a significant donation while enjoying substantial tax savings and gaining additional income for retirement. By calling and asking your lawyer to prepare a will or trust that includes Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines, you can help ensure our mission of exceptional work on behalf of the poor continues. You may not need a new will. A simple addition may be all that is required. With beneficiary designations, you can include Catholic Charities in your estate plan without changing your will or trust. You may choose to designate the gift for specific or unrestricted purposes.
Suggested language for Bequests: “I give to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Des Moines, non-profit organization located at 601 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309, the sum of $____________, or ______% of my residuary estate for its general use and purposes.”
Life Insurance: If you have life insurance that your heirs don't need, making Catholic Charities the beneficiary of the policy could be to your advantage. Many people may not think about insurance policies as a method of giving, but these instruments are a good way to support a charity. Consider giving a current insurance policy or purchasing a new policy naming Catholic Charities as the owner and beneficiary. If the policy has a cash value, you can take a charitable deduction approximately equal to the cash value at the time the gift is made. In addition, if you continue to pay annual premiums for the policy, they will be tax-deductible gifts as well.
Remember, donors should consult with their own financial and tax advisors before finalizing gifts.
Donations may be sent to:
Catholic Charities Development Office
601 Grand Avenue
Des Moines IA 50309