What will be your legacy?

Many donors think that leaving a legacy means leaving a gift that is large and beyond what assets they have acquired during their lifetime. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Naming your parish, local Catholic school, or the Diocese in general as a beneficiary can be a simple process.

The Office for Stewardship and Development can walk you through the process and suggest language that you can share with your professional advisors. While our office can assist you with this process, we recommend that Donors also consult their professional financial advisors for further information.

Giving through your estate

Many donors will name their parish, local Catholic school, or the Diocese in general to receive a charitable gift through their estate. For many donors, this satisfies their personal financial goals, supports favorite non-profit entities, and provides for heirs. In some cases, there will be tax savings as a result of these gifts. Sample language to incorporate into your estate plan may be found below. Donors are kindly asked to share the portion of their estate plan that involves the Diocese, its schools, and parishes with the Office for Stewardship and Development so that we can properly steward your gift.

Estate Planning Sample Language

The following is intended to help you and your attorney in drafting a bequest that satisfies your individual interests.

As you consult your attorney on the selection of appropriate wording to reflect your goals and intentions regarding the Diocese of Harrisburg, or a particular parish or Catholic school within the Diocese, be sure the Diocese’s name appears in all final documents as: “Diocese of Harrisburg, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor.”

General Bequest

A General Bequest of a stated sum of money may be worded:

“I give to the Diocese of Harrisburg [or parish name or school name], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, [insert here the exact dollar amount].”

Specific Bequest

A Specific Bequest of a certain asset from your estate may be worded:

“I give to the Diocese of Harrisburg [or parish name or school name], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, [insert here a description of the particular property].”

Residuary Bequest

A Residuary Bequest, after other bequests and expenses have been paid, may be worded:

“I give to the Diocese of Harrisburg [or parish name or school name], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, all [or a portion] of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”

Contingent Bequest

A Contingent Bequest if the Testator is not survived by certain individuals:

“If [name/s of primary beneficiary/ies] do/es not survive me, or shall die within ninety (90) days from the date of my death, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to the Diocese of Harrisburg [or parish name or school name], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, [insert here the exact dollar amount, description of property, or percentage of residual estate].”