After the Carmel Mission fell into ruin nearly 200 years ago, countless individuals over many decades not only helped restore the Mission’s structures to their former glory but also helped restore a house of faith, education, and outreach deeply rooted in our community. This legacy of giving inspired the creation of the Carmel Mission Legacy Society, which acknowledges past gifts and honors those who include the Mission in their estate planning.
The Carmel Mission Legacy Society recognizes those special friends of the Mission who help create a legacy to perpetuate the ministry of our church. Membership is open to all who make a provision to include Carmel Mission in their estate plans.
We invite you to join these benevolent individuals who have made the gift of a lifetime so that generations to come can share faith, celebrate traditions, and serve others to the praise and glory of God through the commitment of a Carmel Mission Legacy Society membership.
With your permission, we will recognize your planned gift with a permanent listing on our Carmel Mission Legacy Society donor display located on the Mission grounds and on our website. Your generosity will also be acknowledged annually during a special mass dedicated to our legacy society members, along with an invitation to attend a reception following the service.
There are many ways to make a legacy gift, including bequests, naming the Mission as a beneficiary of retirement plan assets, and other planned giving options. These include:
One of the simplest ways to support Carmel Mission is through a bequest in your will or living trust. A bequest allows you to make a significant gift to the mission without impacting your current financial situation. Bequests are flexible—you can choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remaining value of the estate after all beneficiaries have been provided for. Bequests also provide tax benefits, as they are exempt from federal estate tax.
Naming the Carmel Mission as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy is a simple and affordable way to make a planned gift. This allows you to make a larger future contribution than may be possible with other assets. This is a simple way to make a significant future gift without affecting your current finances. Life insurance gifts may also provide tax benefits, including helping your heirs avoid income and estate taxes.
Donating assets from your retirement plan, such as an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or pension, is a tax-smart way to support Carmel Mission. These assets are typically subject to income tax when withdrawn, but by naming the mission as the beneficiary, you can avoid these taxes and maximize the impact of your gift.
A charitable remainder trust allows you to transfer assets into a trust that will pay you (or another beneficiary) income for life or a set number of years. After that time, the remaining assets are donated to the Carmel Mission. This option can provide you with a reliable income stream and potential tax deductions.
A charitable remainder trust allows you to transfer assets into a trust that will pay you (or another beneficiary) income for life or a set number of years. After that time, the remaining assets are donated to the Carmel Mission. This option can provide you with a reliable income stream and potential tax deductions.
With a life estate, you can donate your home or farm to the Carmel Mission while retaining the right to live there for the rest of your life. This allows you to continue enjoying the property while also making a significant future gift to the mission. Life estates may provide tax benefits, such as an immediate charitable income tax deduction.
Remember: Consulting with your financial advisor and attorney is essential to determining the best planned giving option for your unique circumstances.
No matter which option you choose, your planned gift will ensure Carmel Mission’s spiritual, educational, and charitable work continues for generations to come. The Mission will recognize your generosity through a permanent listing on the Legacy Society donor display and at an annual mass and reception.
For more information on our legacy society or how you can create your own legacy gift, please contact us at 831.624.1271 or by email.
Simply fill out a brief form indicating your intent to leave a bequest for the benefit of Carmel Mission.
