Compassionate guidance for a meaningful conversation

Thinking about the future can be difficult, but talking about it with your loved ones can be even more so. When it comes to estate planning and leaving a legacy, many people delay the conversation because they don’t want to cause discomfort or seem overly focused on money.

Yet, having an open and honest conversation about your charitable intentions is one of the most loving and empowering gifts you can offer your family.

At Catholic Charities of New York, we understand the importance of faith, family, and philanthropy. If you’re considering a planned gift to support our mission, here are some compassionate ways to involve your loved ones in that decision.

1. Start with Your Values

Begin by sharing the values that inspire your giving. Let your family know what causes are important to you—feeding the hungry, welcoming immigrants, caring for the elderly—and how Catholic Charities of New York embodies those values in action. When you speak from the heart, your loved ones will better understand your motivations.

This isn’t just about money; it’s about purpose.

2. Explain the Impact

Help your family see the bigger picture. A planned gift to Catholic Charities of New York—whether through a bequest, trust, retirement account, or other method can provide vital, ongoing support to people in need across the archdiocese.

You can share how your gift will:

• Offer hope and housing to the homeless
• Defend vulnerable immigrants and refugees
• Provide food, mental health services, and senior care
• Sustain the Catholic mission of mercy in New York for generations to come

Understanding the concrete good your legacy will do can turn an abstract idea into a meaningful family value.

3. Reassure Them

Sometimes, family members may worry that charitable giving could reduce what they inherit or complicate your estate. Reassure them that you’ve thoughtfully planned your gift to Catholic Charities of New York in a way that reflects your personal values and your responsibility to family.

Many planned giving options allow you to support both your loved ones and charitable causes.  Some even provide tax benefits that enhance your overall estate. For example, naming Catholic Charities of New York as a beneficiary of your retirement account can avoid certain taxes while supporting a mission you love.

4. Make It Part of a Larger Legacy Conversation

Use this as an opportunity to talk more broadly about the legacy you hope to leave, not just financially, but spiritually and ethically. Invite your family to think about the kind of impact they want to have, and how generosity can become a shared tradition.

Faith-filled giving can unite generations with a deeper sense of purpose.

5. Invite Questions And Offer Resources

Encourage your family to ask questions, and let them know you’re working with trusted professionals to make sure everything is done carefully and transparently. You can even invite them to visit our Planned Giving website at CatholicCharitiesNY.giftplans.org to explore the many ways planned gifts work.

Our team is always here to answer questions, provide sample language, and offer guidance tailored to your goals.

Leaving a Legacy That Reflects Your Faith

Including Catholic Charities of New York in your estate plans is more than a financial decision—it’s a spiritual act of love. By involving your family in the conversation, you ensure that your legacy is not only respected, but deeply understood.

We’re honored to be part of that legacy, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.