Legal Language for Making a Gift

The Catholic Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau is organized under Missouri law as a not-for-profit corporation. References in legal documents such as wills and deeds must show the correct legal name. Inaccuracy could cause considerable legal work and/or legal expenses.

The correct legal name for a gift to the diocese is:

" ... to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation."

The correct legal name for a gift to a particular parish or school in the diocese is:

" ... to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation, for the exclusive use and benefit of (parish or school name), (name of city), Missouri."

How Will The Gift Be Used?

Donors can choose to make a gift to their parish, school or diocese in any of the following ways.

Unrestricted
Non-designated gift used by the parish, school or diocese at its discretion.

Restricted
Gift specifically designated by the donor for a purpose. For example, a gift to the diocese could be designated to support Vocations. A gift for a parish could be designated to support Music or Youth ministry.

Current Use
Gift that provides immediate support to the parish, school or diocese.

Endowed
Fund is permanently invested with earnings distributed to the parish, school or diocese annually. Both current use and endowed funds can be restricted or unrestricted.

The Church is committed to honoring donors' wishes and intentions. Please contact our office at 417-866-0841 (email: mjersak@diocspfdcape.org) if you need clarification on gift language, would like to discuss how you want your gift used, or if you have any questions or comments.

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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau
601 South Jefferson Avenue
Springfield, MO 65806

417-866-0841
417-866-1140 (fax)

E-Mail: mjersak@diocspfdcape.org