As Catholics we believe (that is, we have given our heart to) the truth that life is a gift. All that we have, all that we are and all that we shall become is a gift, entrusted to us to be used to further God’s Kingdom. These gifts are ours to use, enjoy, grow, and exercise faithfully. However, they are not ours. We don’t own them. They are entrusted to us.
Admittedly, it is an odd way to view life, particularly when just about everything around us suggests the very opposite. We own. We possess. We keep. That is why stewardship is first and foremost a matter of faith, of setting our heart to a way of understanding ourselves and the world around us.
Throughout our lives the question that stewardship asks is what is faithful use of God’s gifts? How shall I allocate the wealth of time, talent and treasure with which I have been entrusted? For what purposes? With what intent? Throughout our lives, we are given the opportunity and challenge to be a faithful steward of the gifts God has given us.
The year-end giving season is a huge time at the Orange Catholic Foundation. As the year winds to a close, take time to make sure you have given to yourself by giving to others. The remaining weeks of the year give you a final opportunity to balance your income and giving for the tax year. When you give to the Orange Catholic Foundation to benefit your parish, school or favorite ministries, you qualify for an income tax deduction to the extent of the law. Your gift can go a long way toward helping others served throughout our Catholic Community. This is the time to take a moment and consider the gifts you would like to make, then make them happen. Our development staff at the Orange Catholic Foundation are happy to discuss the various options to help you in your giving.
How you make your gift can often affect how much your gift will be. Choosing the best property and timing for your gifts may even allow you to make a larger gift to charity at the same after-tax cost. Also, saving taxes now may even have a “multiplier” effect as the money you save continues to grow for the future.
There are about as many ways to give as there are things to give. Charitable gifts and tax matters should be discussed with your own advisors and family to make sure you get the maximum benefits from your gifts and planning.
For even more impact, consider a gift today of your IRA distribution, real property, appreciated assets or cash, and complement it with a gift in your will or estate plan. You benefit by seeing your gift in action, while also knowing you are building a legacy that will grow.
There are many ways we can help you fulfill your philanthropic goals while enjoying tax savings and income advantages. Contact us at 714.282.3021 or [email protected] to learn more about how you can make a difference this year.