Bequests

A gift to your parish, Catholic school or the Diocese in your will or revocable trust proclaims your confidence that the Church will continue to pursue its mission and make a difference in the lives of future generations. A bequest is easy to arrange, does not affect your assets or cash flow during your lifetime, and is revocable.

You may have planned your estate through a revocable trust instead of a will. A transfer to the Church from your trust will bring you the same tax and planning benefits as a bequest from a will.

A bequest can name a specific dollar amount, or a particular asset. Alternatively, many donors choose to leave a set percentage of their estate. In this way the gift will automatically adjust in case the estate unexpectdly increases or decreases in value. Also, some choose to bequeath a set percentage of their estate due to their belief in tithing. Another method often used is the remainder clause. After providing for loved ones, many donors will specify that a part or all of the remainder be distributed to the Church.

Example of a Bequest:

"I give, devise and bequeath to The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation, for the exclusive use and benefit of St. Mary's Parish, West Plains, Missouri, (insert here the sum of money or percentage of the estate).

[Important! See: Legal Language for Making a Gift]

To learn more about bequests, email us, complete the personal illustration form, or call us at (417) 866-0841 so that we can assist you.


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