WAYS TO GIVE

Bernard Parish is appreciative of the many faithful who support its parish, school, ministries and mission. We invite you to consider a gift to support the important work at St. Bernard.

Sherri Petersen would be pleased to discuss how you can assist St. Bernard with a current or planned gift. All gifts to St. Bernard are tax deductible as defined by current laws and a donor’s own financial circumstances.

• Cash Gifts:
  is one of the most familiar ways to give. Simply write a check to support St. Bernard.
  Make Checks payable to:
  St. Bernard Parish
  3601 North 65th Street
  Omaha, NE. 68104

• Appreciated Property 
  of appreciated property, such as real estate, common stock, mutual funds, bonds, IRAs, or retirement plans offer significant advantages to the donor. 

• Gifts of Life Insurance
  St. Bernard Parish as owner and sole beneficiary may prove to be beneficial. 

• Charitable Gift Annuities
  exchange for your gift of cash, securities, or other property, we will provide you and/or a named beneficiary an annual fixed annuity payment for life. Gift annuities offer immediate tax advantages, including partial avoidance of capital gains tax on the appreciation of donated property.

• Charitable Remainder Trusts
  may establish a significant gift in the form of a charitable remainder trust that can provide a substantial income to you during your lifetime and, if you choose, during the life of a named beneficiary. Upon the death of the final beneficiary, the trust is terminated and the remaining principal is given to St. Bernard Parish.

• Charitable Bequests
  bequest is a provision in the donor’s will, leaving a specific amount, percentage, or remainder or assets to St. Bernard Parish. It is a simple matter to include a bequest to St. Bernard Parish in your will or in a codicil to your will. To expedite your good intentions, here is a recommended clause for making an outright unrestricted bequest to St. Bernard parish: St. Bernard Catholic Church, a Nebraska entity, is to receive the sum of (indicate a specific amount or percentage). This bequest is unrestricted, and St. Bernard Catholic Church of Omaha may use and expend the same for the benefit of St. Bernard Catholic Church of Omaha in any manner it deems appropriate. 
  
  This is an example. Always consult your attorney for specific legal advice. Should you wish to make a bequest that is restricted to a specific purpose, please contact us for examples of appropriate wording. 

• Estate Gifts
  your personal residence, vacation home, farm or business and reserving the right of residency and use for an agreed upon term, usually the balance of your lifetime, may prove to be an advantageous financial strategy. 

• Gifts of Stock
  you contribute long-term appreciated securities to St. Bernard Parish, you receive a two-fold income tax benefit: a charitable deduction for the full present fair market value and no tax on the value of the appreciation. The limit on deductibility in any tax year is 30% of your adjusted gross income; any excess is deductible over the next five years.
  
  Example: Elizabeth contributes long-term stocks. The stocks are now worth $15,000, but they cost her $10,000. She is entitled to a charitable deduction of $15,000. She will pay on the $5,000 appreciation. 
  
  If you wish to contribute securities on which you have a loss, consider selling them instead and donating the proceeds to St. Bernard Parish. You will then realize a tax deduction for the loss in addition to the charitable deduction.

• St. Bernard of Clairvaux Society
  The St. Bernard of Clairvaux Society is a special way to recognize living individuals who have made provision in their estate plans for St. Bernard Parish. Membership offers a unique opportunity for families and individuals who wish their giving to transcend their own lifetimes.