A Newsletter for Legacy Partners of the Franciscan Missions
A Note From Our Executive Director
Dear Friend,
There is so much sorrow in our world today and our love does not have to be contained by geographic boundaries. We can still bring hope to people halfway around the world. Every act of generosity begins in the heart.
Long before we consider documents, tax laws, or financial strategies for giving, we are first called to reflect on what God has placed within us: a spirit of gratitude, compassion, and love for others.
In this issue of our Legacy of Hope newsletter, you will find practical information about ways you can support the Franciscan Missions through thoughtful planning. Please know that any consideration of a planned gift is deeply appreciated.
As always, we are grateful for your prayers, your friendship, and your support of our mission to serve those most in need. May God continue to bless you and your families.
Gratefully in St. Francis,
Br. Andrew Brophy, OFM
Executive Director
The Latest from Preschool Nesakkaram in India
Because of your generous support, the Franciscan Missions has been able to support PreSchool Nesakkaram for the past eight years.
The preschool serves children of the Arunthathiyar Dalits, one of the most oppressed subgroups within the “untouchable” Dalit community in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
The parents of the Dalit children suffer severe economic conditions, and children are left unattended or cared for by an older sibling when their parents work. This contributes to a high rate of school dropouts and the continuation of the cycle of poverty.
Over 36 years ago, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle of India, formed the Nesakkaram preschool. Today, 35 children attend each day.
Nesakkaram provides:
- Evening tuition centers
- Formation of children’s leadership groups
- Creation of a parents’ committee to foster community support
- A preschool for children under 6 years of age
Remember What Matters Most
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Matthew 6:21)
An estate plan is more than a collection of legal instructions. It is an opportunity to reflect on the people, values, and places that have touched your life.
For many friends of the Franciscan Missions, caring for those in need has become an important value. If our mission holds a special place in your heart, we would be honored if you would consider remembering us in your estate plans.
Every gift matters. Whatever form your gift takes, it will continue your support of those in our care, bringing hope to those who need it most.
One-Time Donations
Donations of every size go to the construction of new schools, the education of poor children, access to clean drinking water, relief efforts in conflict zones, and so much more. Choose a cause that is close to your heart or give to our broad relief efforts.
Monthly Donations
Our community of monthly givers is called the Poverello Giving Team. Any amount you give is a great blessing. These gifts are powerful tools for serving the poor and hungry.
Donating Investments
If you own stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have grown in value, donating shares of appreciated securities will not only support our missionary efforts but can also save you money on taxes.
Beneficiary Designations
Consider naming the Franciscan Missions as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, a commercial annuity, an IRA, a 401(k) plan, or a savings/checking account. Adding or changing a beneficiary is often as simple as completing a change of beneficiary form.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF)
If you have established a donor-advised fund (DAF), it can be an easy and flexible way to support the Franciscan Missions and the people we serve. Because many taxpayers claim the standard deduction, some of our friends choose to contribute several years’ worth of charitable gifts to their DAF in one year, allowing them to exceed the standard deduction and itemize that year. They can then recommend grants from their DAF to the Franciscan Missions and other charities over future years.
If you would like to discover additional ways to support the Franciscan Missions, please visit giftplanning.franciscanmissions.org.
Special Spotlight: Tax-Wise Giving Through Your IRA
If you’re age 70½ or older, your IRA may offer one of the most tax-efficient ways to support the Franciscan Missions while reducing your taxable income. If you’re considering this option, the following questions can help determine whether a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is right for you.
Do you own a traditional Individual Retirement Account? If you have a traditional IRA, you may be able to support the Franciscan Missions through a QCD.
Are you age 70½ or older? You must be at least age 70½ to make a QCD. If you’re age 73 or older and must take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), part or all of your RMD can be directed to the Franciscan Missions through a QCD.
Do you know how a QCD must be made? Your gift must be transferred directly from your IRA to the Franciscan Missions, typically by a check from your IRA custodian made payable to us. If the distribution is paid to you first, it will be treated as taxable income.
How do you get started? Contact your IRA administrator to request a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the Franciscan Missions. Our tax identification number is 39-1396579. Call our Planned Giving Office at 262-534-5470.
If you would like to discover additional ways to support the Franciscan Missions, please scan this code.
Together, We Deliver Hope
We are truly grateful for all you do for our Franciscan missionaries around the world. Your support is a lifeline for so many. Be assured that you are held close in prayer as the friars gather for Mass and Prayer each day.
To learn more about our work and discover ways to get involved, contact our team today.
3 Ways to Request Your Booklet:
call: 262-534-5470
email: plannedgiving@franciscanmissions.org
write to:
Franciscan Missions
Office of Gift Planning
P.O. Box 130
Waterford, WI 53185
Gratefully in St. Francis
Br. Andrew Brophy, OFM
Executive Director
English 
Español de México