Planned Giving Opportunities

When naming our sisters as beneficiary of a bequest, insurance policy, retirement plan or trust, you should inform the attorney preparing your legal documents that the corporate title is “Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Dubuque, Iowa. The Sisters of Charity, BVM is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

As with any planned gift, please consult with your attorney and/or tax advisor before making any decision.

Charitable Bequests

A charitable bequest supports the work of our sisters after your death. This bequest may be included at the time of writing your will, or it may be added later by a codicil. A bequest does not affect your current income and may favorably impact the amount owed in estate taxes. View sample bequest language.

Life Insurance Policies

A gift of life insurance is an easy way to make a future gift to our sisters. A review of insurance needs might disclose that some of your policies are no longer useful. The cash value of an existing policy that is no longer needed could be transferred to our sisters. It is also possible to name our sisters as beneficiary of a new or existing life insurance policy.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a gift to our sisters and receive fixed annuity payments for life. The amount of the payments depends on your age at the time the annuity is established. You receive a tax deduction for a portion of the gift. The charitable gift annuity agreement can be completed by mail.

Please contact the Office of Development to determine eligibility

Charitable Trusts

There are a variety of trust instruments to assist you in estate planning while affording you the opportunity to make a contribution to our sisters.

Retirement Plans

Retirement fund benefits are the most expensive asset for family members to inherit. Nearly half of your retirement plan assets can be reduced by taxes upon your death. By naming a charity, such as the Sisters of Charity, BVM, to receive all or a portion of your company pension plan, IRA, 401(k) or Keogh plan, you can offset some of the taxes your loved ones have to pay and preserve more of your estate for the people and organizations that matter the most to you.

To make a planned gift to the Sisters of Charity, BVM, download our Declaration of Intent form.