Ways To
Earn Income
Through Giving
Create Change in Your Community
Your generosity provides resources for today while strengthening hope for tomorrow. These gifts allow you to support meaningful work and still receive dependable income in return. It’s a powerful way to care for others while caring for your own future.
Your Charitable Gift Annuities
When giving through a charitable gift annuity (CGA), you create a dependable source of fixed income for yourself and/or a loved one for life. CGAs also offer meaningful tax advantages and allows you to leave a lasting legacy of compassion through our agency.
How it works:
You make a gift: You donate cash, securities, or other assets to Catholic Charities West Michigan.
You receive guaranteed payments: In exchange for your gift, you (and/or someone you select) receive fixed payments every year for life.
- The payment amount is based on your age(s) at the time of the gift.
- Payments never change—they are steady and predictable
You receive tax benefits: A portion of your payment is often tax‑free. You receive a charitable income tax deduction for part of your gift.
Your gift creates a legacy: After your lifetime(s), the remaining funds support our mission, allowing your generosity to continue impacting others.
Your Charitable Remainder Trusts
When giving through a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), you turn your assets into a lasting source of good—while still providing reliable annual income for yourself and those you love. Your gift is placed in a tax‑advantaged trust that distributes a set percentage each year, either based on the trust’s current value or the amount you originally contributed. As the trust grows, so does the impact of your generosity.
How it works:
You transfer assets into the trust: You can donate cash, stocks, real estate, or other appreciated assets to create the CRT.
You (or other beneficiaries) receive annual income: Each year, the trust pays out a distribution:
- Either a percentage of the trust’s current value (recalculated annually)
- Or a percentage of the original gift amount, depending on the type of CRT you set up
These payments last for a lifetime or a set number of years, depending on your plan.
You receive tax benefits: You may receive:
- An immediate charitable income tax deduction
- Potentially reduced capital gains taxes when donating appreciated assets
- A trust that grows tax-free, which can increase future payments
Your gift creates lasting impact: When the trust term concludes, the remaining assets are directed to Catholic Charities West Michigan, enabling your generosity to continue transforming lives long into the future.
Supporters Like You
Ralph and Zsuzsanna felt called to make a difference in their local community, and Catholic Charities West Michigan offered a meaningful way to live out their faith and support those in need close to home.
The Impact of Your Giving
Since 1946, we have been igniting transformation in families and communities with over 50 programs located across West Michigan. These are West Michigan’s stories of hope penned by your generosity.
We're Here to Help
Our Philanthropy team is here to help you…
- Explore our current ways to give.
- Design a giving plan that works best for you and your goals.
- Provide updates and ongoing communication about our organization and programs.
- And more!
This website provides general information only. Please consult an attorney, financial advisor, or other qualified professional to understand how any gift or estate‑planning decision may affect your personal situation.
Catholic Charities West Michigan | Tax ID: #38-3012473