Giving

There are many ways to give to the Diocese of Rochester.

Give a cash gift by using a form below or contacting the Office of Finance.

Cash Gifts
Outright cash gifts are the most common form of giving, such as through the Catholic Ministries Appeal.  Your gift becomes immediately available to support important programs and services. The donor will be credited with the full amount of his or her gift - which may be tax deductible.

Memorial and Tribute Giving
Gifts in memory of deceased friends and loved ones – or gifts that honor living individuals – are gratefully accepted.  Such contributions are often used to reflect the special interests of the person honored.  Any gift may be designated in memory of, or in honor of, a loved one.

Bequests
Your will is a meaningful way to make a charitable gift of lasting value. Through a bequest provision, you can designate a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other bequests are satisfied.  Adding a codicil to an existing will is a simple process that begins by making your intentions known to your attorney.

Gifts from your IRA

Gifts of Appreciated Securities
If you own long-term securities that have appreciated in value, you may prefer to contribute securities rather than cash.  In this way, there may be both capital gains and tax deduction benefits. Please use the Stock Form, which includes the specific stock transfer instructions to facilitate your transfer, or you may contact the Office of Stewardship and Communications at (585) 328-3210 ext. 1326 or .

Charitable Remainder Trusts
Charitable trusts can result in significant support for the work of the Diocese, while also securing your financial future and reducing taxes for you and your heirs.  Through a charitable remainder trust, you can provide income for yourself or a loved one and benefit the work of the Church.  You specify the amount of payments to be distributed (at least 5% per year), to which payments are to be paid, the duration of payments (a period of years or the beneficiary’s lifetime) and the Diocese will receive the remainder.  The trust may be set up for the lives of the beneficiaries or for a term of up to 20 years.

Gifts of Life Insurance
Life insurance may be an especially attractive gift vehicle if you own a policy that is no longer needed for its original purpose.  In addition, those who qualify for low-cost premiums may find it more affordable and convenient to plan a significant gift using life insurance.  By naming the Diocese of Rochester as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy, the donor may be entitled to an immediate tax deduction for the accumulated cash value of the policy (if any) and a future deduction for any subsequent premiums he or she pays.

Gifts of Real Estate
Real property gifts will be accepted at the discretion of the Diocese after a review of all relevant factors. Because of the complexities and issues involved with real property gifts, the Diocese has adopted a set of procedures. Please contact the Office of Stewardship and Communications at 585-328-3210 or email for more information.