CATHOLIC CHARITIES WEST MICHIGAN

Ways to
Leave a Legacy

Leave a Legacy of Hope

By planning a gift through your will or beneficiary designations, you can support individuals and families in need with compassionate, comprehensive care—without affecting your finances today.

Your Will

A gift in a will—often called a bequest—is a simple, meaningful way to support a mission you care about without affecting your finances today. It’s a promise written into your will or trust that, after you’ve provided for your loved ones, a portion of your remaining assets will help carry forward the work you believe in.

By including Catholic Charities West Michigan in your will, you create a legacy rooted in compassion and faith—one that continues serving children, families, and our neighbors long into the future.

Types of gifts

A general bequest is a gift of a specific amount.
A residuary gift is the portion of your estate that you choose to donate after all other gifts and expenses have been taken care of.
A specific gift is a bequest that names a particular item or exact amount of money you choose to leave to an organization like Catholic Charities West Michigan.
A contingent gift is a bequest that is given to an organization like Catholic Charities West Michigan only if your primary beneficiaries are unable to receive their inheritance.
 

You can customize how you give to meet the needs of you and/or your loved ones.

Your Beneficiary Designation

You can support families in our community—at no cost to you today—by naming Catholic Charities West Michigan as a beneficiary of your bank accounts, retirement plans, or other financial assets. This easy option allows you to care for loved ones first while creating a legacy of hope and compassion.

You can support families in our community—at no cost to you today—by naming Catholic Charities West Michigan as a beneficiary of your bank accounts, retirement plans, or other financial assets. This easy option allows you to care for loved ones first while creating a legacy of hope and compassion.

A gift from your beneficiary designation cost you nothing now and remains fully revocable. This type of gift may also help reduce your taxes and reduce probate.

Examples of financial assets

List Catholic Charities West Michigan as a beneficiary to your retirement plan.

List Catholic Charities West Michigan as a beneficiary of all or part of your life insurance policy.

Name Catholic Charities West Michigan (Tax ID: 38-3012473) as the beneficiary of your bank or investment accounts to make a simple yet impactful gift.
Designate Catholic Charities West Michigan as the successor of your donor-advised fund to ensure your charitable values continue long into the future.
 

To update your beneficiary designation, please contact your bank, retirement plan administrator, insurance company, or other financial institution. Contact us to let us know your gift intentions so we can faithfully carry forward the vision behind your gift.

Supporters Like You

For Dave Harris, a former board member and now a faithful donor, serving the community with Catholic Charities West Michigan has become a source of real joy.

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!

Catholic Charities West Michigan | Tax ID: #38-3012473