Ultimately, The GIFT Campaign—Growing In Faith Together—meets our needs while setting the highest goals for our parish. After years of planning, listening, and praying here at St. Francis of Assisi, it is with humility and thanks that we offer these plans to our parishioners.

Together, we can set our sights on serving current and future needs of those who seek the grace that only God can provide. It is with unfaltering belief in our faith that we at St. Francis ask for your help that we may continue to grow in faith together. Your participation will make the difference in allowing us to fulfill and increase our commitment to the community.

We will all be blessed by each and every gift. We are asking all parish families to make a three year pledge to the GIFT Campaign. There are several ways to make and fulfill a pledge:

Pledges—Many people make a larger gift over a longer period of time. We can structure your pledge to meet your financial and tax needs. You can be billed on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

Printable GIFT Campaign Pledge Card

Cash Gifts—Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Direct Deposit—You can arrange to have your monthly gift automatically withdrawn from your account.

Reminders—You can be billed on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

Matching Gifts—Many employers match their employee's gifts. Be sure to check with yours.

Gifts of Securities—Another term for stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other publicly traded securities. The donation must be an "in kind" transfer of the security itself, not the cash proceeds from the sale of the security. Such a transfer is easily made electronically from your investment account. Federal tax laws allow a charitable deduction for the full market value of the securities on the date of your gift. Since the security is never sold by the owner, no capital gain is recognized or taxed. Individuals should seek qualified tax counsel to review their own situation.

Gifts from an IRA—The Pension Protection Act of 2006 introduced a new opportunity for charitable donations. People over 70½ may make a donation directly from their IRA to a qualified charity and use the donation to satisfy a Required Minimum Distribution. This provision is only for 2007, and other limitations apply, but there are advantages depending on the donor's tax situation. Individuals should seek qualified tax counsel to review their own situation.

Further Considerations—If you would like to discuss whether making your contribution to the GIFT campaign through gifts of securities may be best for you, please contact Sue Mathys at 847-8205, extension 222.

For any other questions or for information on making a pledge, please contact Sue Mathys.