Support Catholic Charities of New York Through Easy, Impactful Planning

If you’ve ever wished you could leave a legacy of compassion and service, but thought it required rewriting your will, here’s some good news: you can make a lasting gift to Catholic Charities of New York without changing your will or estate plan.

By updating the beneficiary designations on existing accounts and financial tools, you can create a powerful legacy that supports the Church’s work among the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized throughout the Archdiocese of New York.

Here are five simple ways to leave a meaningful legacy, no attorney required:

1. Designate Catholic Charities of New York as a Beneficiary of Your Retirement Plan

Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are among the easiest ways to make a legacy gift. Because these assets are taxed when passed to individuals, leaving them to a nonprofit like Catholic Charities of New York can be a smart and tax-efficient choice, benefiting both your loved ones and the causes you care about most.

2. Add Catholic Charities of New York to Your Life Insurance Policy

You can name Catholic Charities of New York as a full or partial beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy. If you have a policy you no longer need for family support, this is a simple and effective way to extend your legacy of faith and service.

3. Use Payable-on-Death (POD) or Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Designations

Many banks and brokerage firms allow you to name Catholic Charities of New York as a POD or TOD beneficiary on checking, savings, or investment accounts. This allows assets to transfer directly, outside of probate, ensuring a faster and more impactful gift.

4. Make a Gift Through Your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

If you have a donor-advised fund, you can name Catholic Charities of New York as a final or successor beneficiary. Any remaining funds will be directed toward programs that provide food, shelter, legal services, mental health support, and more, reflecting your values beyond your lifetime.

5. Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity

A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a gift to Catholic Charities of New York now, receive fixed income payments for life, and support Catholic Charities’ mission in the future.  It’s a unique way to create a steady income stream while also committing to the work of mercy and justice that is so needed in our communities.
Learn more at CatholicCharitiesNY.org/cga-faq

Your Legacy, Rooted in Faith

Each of these giving options reflects a simple, flexible way to continue your impact without revisiting your will or estate documents. Your generosity helps Catholic Charities of New York continue its mission of service to those most in need, now and for generations to come.

To explore any of these legacy options, or to let us know you’ve included Catholic Charities in your plans, visit our Planned Giving website: https://catholiccharitiesny.giftplans.org

Even small gestures can create powerful ripples of compassion. Leave a legacy that honors your faith and helps transform lives.