The start of a new school year always feels like a fresh beginning. As a parent of three teenagers, I know the familiar rhythm: new schedules, new teachers, new backpacks, and a little more independence. This year, all three of my children started high school, a milestone that has made me think even more about the opportunities we want our children to have as they grow.
But for many New York families, the start of school can bring a different kind of pressure. There are school supplies to buy, clothes to replace, meals to put on the table and, for families already struggling, difficult choices about how to make ends meet.
That is why I was especially moved by Catholic Charities of New York’s recent back-to-school event. From Yonkers, to the Bronx, to the Lower East Side, and all throughout our service areas, our staff, volunteers, and partners provided backpacks and school supplies to local children while also connecting families with resources including food assistance, workforce development, financial literacy, benefits assistance and housing support.
A backpack may seem like a small thing. But when a family is facing financial uncertainty, that support can mean a child starts the school year feeling prepared, and a parent has one less expense to worry about.
It is a reminder that building a stronger New York starts with investing in its families. As Senior Director of Development and Planned Giving, I often have conversations with donors about how they can make a difference through assets they already own. If your investments have grown over the years, here are several ways your portfolio may be able to support Catholic Charities of New York.
Give appreciated stock
If you own stocks or other securities that have increased significantly in value, donating them directly to Catholic Charities of New York may offer potential tax benefits while supporting our work across New York. Instead of selling an appreciated investment and then donating the proceeds, a donor may be able to transfer the securities directly to Catholic Charities of New York. Your financial and tax advisors can help determine whether this strategy makes sense for you.
Give through a donor-advised fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund can be a flexible way to organize your charitable giving. If you already have a DAF, you can recommend a grant to Catholic Charities of New York and direct your philanthropy toward the programs and communities that matter to you. For families, charitable giving can also be a meaningful way to involve children and grandchildren in conversations about generosity and the kind of community they want to help create.
Make a gift through your estate
A gift in your will, trust or beneficiary designation can create a lasting legacy for New Yorkers in need. You can name Catholic Charities of New York as a beneficiary of certain assets or leave a portion of your estate to support our mission. For many donors, this is a way to express values that extend well beyond their lifetime.
Consider an IRA gift
If you are 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA may allow you to support Catholic Charities of New York directly from your retirement account, while potentially providing tax benefits. Rules and limits apply, so consult your financial or tax advisor to see whether a QCD is right for you.
A different kind of investment
Watching my three children begin high school has reminded me how quickly time passes, and how important it is to invest in the people and communities around us.
At Catholic Charities of New York, we see every day what those investments can make possible: a child ready for the first day of school, a parent connected to a job, a family finding food or housing assistance, and a person receiving the support they need to move forward.
Your investments have helped build your financial future. With thoughtful planning, they can also help build a stronger future for New York.
To learn more about giving appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, estate gifts or IRA gifts to Catholic Charities of New York, please contact our Planned Giving team, at 646-794-2411.
We encourage donors to consult their own legal, tax and financial advisors before making charitable-planning decisions.
