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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can anyone give to a permanent endowment?

Yes, anyone can give to an existing endowment fund no matter the amount. Simply name the fund(s) closest to your heart in a current gift or planned gift.

What types of gifts does the Foundation accept?

The Foundation helps facilitate gifts today and those planned for the future. Gifts of financial assets today, whether as part of routine charitable giving or in managing a significant financial windfall, include the following:

  • Cash

  • Appreciated Securities, Stock, or Mutual Funds

  • Real Property

  • Tangible Personal Property

  • Mineral Rights

  • Life Insurance

  • Qualified Retirement Plan Assets

 

Gifts of financial assets which are planned, or deferred, include the following:

  • Bequests in your Will

  • Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations

  • Charitable Gift Annuities

  • Charitable Lead Trusts

  • Charitable Remainder Trusts

  • Life Estates

Can anyone start a new fund?

Yes, starting a new fund is easy. Working with the Foundation to name your fund, determine distribution policies, and make an initial gift or make a bequest. Funds may be started with an initial minimum gift of $5,000 and begin distributions when the principal balance is $50,000, and must be fully funded within 10 years of the initial gift.

Why do I need a Foundation?

As the Church in East Texas grows, society changes, tax regulations become increasingly complex, and as the needs of the Diocese evolve, the East Texas Catholic Foundation is here to make supporting the work of the Church easy, secure, and lasting. How can we be certain our charitable wishes are being honored? How can we be sure we’ve considered the various tax advantages of giving? How do we know our giving is invested wisely? The East Texas Catholic Foundation brings legal and financial expertise, accountability, sustainability, and a Catholic perspective to ensuring your gift makes the most impact for generations to come.

Does the Foundation replace my lawyer or financial advisor?

No. The East Texas Catholic Foundation can work with all professional advisors to create only the charitable giving component of your financial and estate planning.

What if I already have a family foundation?

Private foundations and community foundations like the East Texas Catholic Foundation are not mutually exclusive, but may nonetheless serve similar purposes. However, community foundations like The East Texas Catholic Foundation often afford greater tax advantages and distribution flexibility, and they assume the otherwise costly and time-consuming record-keeping and reporting responsibilities associated with private foundations. In addition, The East Texas Catholic Foundation brings a unique philanthropic focus to bear, thus providing donors with a way to build a legacy which is uniquely Catholic.

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