Giving Opportunities
To meet the needs of our donors who span generations and have different levels of means, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters have several ways of giving. Which Opportunity Is Best for You?

Donor-Advised Funds

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a philanthropic giving vehicle that provides an immediate tax benefit to individuals while creating a way to support charities like the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Increasingly, many supporters of our Sisters donate though their DAF.

Stocks and Bonds

Gifts of long-term, appreciated stocks and bonds can provide a double benefit: donors may be eligible for both a charitable tax deduction for the value of the securities on the day of transfer, and they may not be responsible for taxes on any gains from the time the stock was acquired. Contact the Development Office for transfer instructions and more information.

Charitable IRA Transfers

Donors age 70 ½ or older can transfer a contribution each year directly from a tradi-tional IRA account. This may satisfy a portion or all of the annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and serve as a qualified charitable distribution, which can decrease tax burdens even for the non-itemizing taxpayer.

Bequests and Planned Giving

Remembering the Sisters in your will or a revocable trust is a wonderful way to keep alive your values while at the same time assuring the continuation of the Sisters’ work. A bequest may be particularly attractive if you are unable to make a current gift, but would like to contribute to the sisters in a meaningful way. You may bequeath a specific dollar amount, a specific asset, a fixed percentage, or the residue of your estate.

Gifts through a Life Insurance Policy or Retirment Plan

A simple way to make a significant future gift is to name the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters as the beneficiary to receive all, or a portion of, a life insurance policy or a retirement plan no longer needed for its original purpose.

Matching Gifts

If you are employed by a company that has a Matching Gift Program, you can multiply the value of your gift to the Sisters. The company personnel office will supply a gift form that should be completed and sent to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters with your gift.

For detailed information or questions about giving opportunities, contact:

Sister Maria Bartos, OSF, Director

Office of Development and Mission Advancement:

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

450 Saint Bernardine Street

Reading, PA 19607

484-334-6815

bfdevelop@bfranciscan.org

Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
An International Congregation of Women Religious

Giving Opportunities To meet the needs of our donors who span generations and have different levels of means, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters have several ways of giving. Which Opportunity Is Best for You?

Giving Opportunities
To meet the needs of our donors who span generations and have different levels of means, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters have several ways of giving. Which Opportunity Is Best for You?