A Legacy in Bloom

The most common form of legacy giving is a bequest—a gift designated in your will or living trust. You can specify a particular dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other bequests have been fulfilled. This flexible option allows you to provide for your loved ones first while ensuring Catholic education remains accessible for families in need.

Sample bequest language: "I give [specific amount/percentage/remainder] to Family Aid-Catholic Education (FACE), a program of the Diocese of Oakland, located in Oakland, California, to support its mission of providing tuition assistance to families seeking Catholic education."

Naming FACE as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement accounts is one of the most tax-efficient ways to make a legacy gift. These assets can be subject to significant taxation when passed to heirs, but when directed to a charitable organization like FACE, the full value supports our mission. Simply contact your plan administrator and request a beneficiary designation form.

A life insurance policy you no longer need can become a powerful gift for Catholic education. You can name FACE as a primary or contingent beneficiary, or transfer ownership of a paid-up policy directly to FACE and receive an immediate tax deduction. This approach allows you to make a substantial future gift at minimal current cost.

If you've established a donor advised fund, you can recommend FACE as a beneficiary to receive distributions after your lifetime. This ensures your philanthropic vision continues while providing flexibility during your lifetime.

Life income gifts such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts provide you with regular payments during your lifetime while ultimately benefiting FACE. These vehicles offer immediate tax deductions, potential capital gains tax savings, and the satisfaction of knowing your gift will support students for years to come.

Gifts of real estate, stocks, bonds, and other appreciated assets can provide significant tax advantages while supporting FACE's mission. These gifts may help you avoid capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value.