Planned Giving involves the careful and thoughtful preparation of a gift. Your Planned Gift might be in the form of a bequest, a charitable gift annuity, real estate, retirement funds, life insurance policy proceeds, the creation of a scholarship fund, and the like.

Your gift can have a great impact in the life of many.  The Diocese of Norwich oversees 76 parishes, three missions, 21 Catholic schools, and 23 ministries. The ministries within the Diocese, listed on our website, provide invaluable services. These include, but are not limited to: feeding the hungry, ministering to the sick and infirmed, providing pregnancy support and counseling, providing support for our Catholic Schools and Parish Faith formation programs, sponsoring orphanages and programs in Haiti, providing support for seminarians and retired priests, providing spiritual support and guidance to young Catholics on college campuses, support for struggling families and so much more. Your generosity extends to the Eastern Connecticut counties including New London, Tolland, Middlesex and Windham, as well as Fisher’s Island. You can make a gift directly to your parish, the Diocese, or specify what ministry you wish to support. The choices are abundant!

Planned Giving allows for the allocation of your assets in the manner that most suits you and your family. Gifts can be made during your lifetime or deferred until after death. Much like making a major purchase such as a home or automobile, making a planned gift is something that you must consider wisely. Careful consultation with your attorney and/or financial advisor can help you determine how to best allocate your assets.

In many cases, a planned gift can cost you very little. Making a gift that is deferred until after your passing will not only allow you to leave a legacy, but will help you continue to live in the manner you so desire while you are still enjoying your current lifestyle.

Your generosity and support will help protect and sustain the life of the Church. In the immortal words of Mother Teresa, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

Thank you for your commitment to Christ and for your stewardship.

Here are a few examples of Planned Giving options:

Bequest
A charitable bequest involves leaving a gift through your last will and testament. This gift can be in the form of cash, property, or retirement assets. If you have already created your will, you can add a codicil, or amendment to the will to include your donation to the church.

Charitable Gift Annuity
A charitable gift annuity not only allows you to make a donation, but provides you with the security of lifetime payments. This tax deductible contribution can be set up to provide you with the payments, or you can have the lifetime payments sent to the annuitant of your choice.

Life Insurance
The Diocese of Norwich, your individual parish, or a specific ministry within the Diocese, can be named the beneficiary of a life insurance policy you hold. This is an especially appealing option to those potential donors who may own a policy that is no longer needed. In most cases, this provides you with an immediate tax deduction for the accumulated cash value of the policy and this also offers future deductions for any subsequent premiums paid.

Real Estate
A gift of real estate can be made during your lifetime or deferred until after your passing. Those with rental properties or vacation homes might find this a viable option for donating to the church and gaining a tax deduction.

Retirement Assets
You can donate a portion of your retirement savings/earnings if you so desire. Please discuss your options with your financial planner in regards to making a planned gift from your retirement account.

Director of Planned Giving & Major Gifts:
MaryLou Gannotti
E-mail: Marylou.gannotti@norwichdiocese.net

Address:
197 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: 860-886-1928 ext. 15
Fax: 860-886-2651
Website: http://www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org