Legacy Society

Our newly formed Legacy Society recognizes donors who make plans through their estate to remember our faith community in their wills or through a planned gift. Members of the Legacy Society form an exceptional group. Annually we dedicate a mass in their honor and invite members to join together for a special luncheon to celebrate their extraordinary philanthropic spirit, leadership and foresight.

What is a planned gift?  Below are some ways that you can provide for the St. James – St. Leo Catholic Community.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to make a gift and join the Legacy Society we are here to help.  Contact Deacon Peter Hodsdon at 858.755.2545 X *112 or deaconpeter@stjames-stleo.org


Gifts From Your Will or Trust

A gift to St. James in your will or revocable trust enables you to support our mission and make a difference without altering your current lifestyle in any way. A bequest is easy to arrange and often allows a donor to make a much more sizeable gift than might otherwise be possible. 

Sample language for your will or trust: “I give and bequeath to the Pastor of St. James Catholic Parish, Solana Beach, CA a corporate sole. Federal tax ID ##27-3961078, _______________ (insert dollar amount, percentage of estate, or description of securities or property, etc.) to be used for its general purposes free of all death taxes, generation-skipping transfer taxes, debts and expenses of estate administration.”


Beneficiary of IRA, Retirement Account or Life Insurance Policy

Name St. James as a beneficiary of your IRA, retirement plan or life insurance policy. You can complete this gift by filling out a beneficiary form from your IRA or retirement plan provider. This is an easy and flexible way to give.

Example: Mrs. Smith has a life insurance policy of $1 million. Her current beneficiaries are her children. Mrs. Smith has a desire to support our Catholic community and the good work we are doing, but has limited income available. One option is to make St. James a minor beneficiary of say 2%. Mrs. Smith’s children are now 98% beneficiaries or $980.000, which means that Mrs. Smith is leaving 2% or $20,000 to St. James. 


Donate Stocks, Bonds, Securities

A gift of appreciated securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy way to make a gift to St. James and receive a charitable income tax deduction, and you may avoid paying capital gains tax.


Make a Tax-Free Gift from an IRA

If you are 70½ years old or older, you can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to St. James – St. Leo Catholic Community without having to pay income taxes on the gift*.  A Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA to St. James generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you can benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions. If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.


Donate via a Charitable Donor-Advised Fund Account

A donor advised fund account is a simple, tax-smart investment solution for charitable giving. Open an account and contribute cash, appreciated assets, or investments. Then make a grant to St. James at any time.  You’ll be eligible for a current-year tax deduction. You may want to learn more about donor advised funds by visiting the Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego’s website https://www.sdcatholic.org/giving/catholic-community-foundation/


Gift of Personal Property

Make a gift of real estate, valuable painting, antique, or other personal property to St. James – St. Leo Catholic Community. You may be eligible to receive an immediate income tax deduction for the appraised value of your gift*.   Also, gifts of property or investments can avoid capital gains tax.

*Please consult your tax professional to verify the tax effect of charitable gifts you plan to make

Confidential Letter Of Intent

Would you like to provide a future gift for St. James – St. Leo Catholic Community and join an extraordinary group of philanthropic leaders? Click here to download and complete your confidential letter of intent.  Please return the requested information to Deacon Peter Hodsdon at 625 S. Nardo, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Getting Started

Several of St. James parishioners are attorneys with estate planning expertise.  If you would like help getting started or would just like help with an estate plan here are some local contacts for you:

Michele A. Tutoli or

Stephanie A. Lord (Alumna – St. James Academy)
Attorneys and Certified Estate Planning Specialists
Armstrong, Fisch & Tutoli
phone: 858.453.0626
EmailMichelet@aaepa.com
armstrongfisch.com

Joseph E. Driscoll
Attorney
Law Offices of Joseph E. Driscoll
Phone: 858.792.6769

Ann C. Harris

Founder and Managing Partner and Certified Specialist in Estate, Probate and Trust Law
Ann C. Harris, A Professional Law Corporation
Phone: 760. 431.9900
Email: harris@annharrislaw.com

If you are a parishioner with estate planning expertise and would like to be included as a local resource on this page please contact deaconpeter@stjames-stleo.org

Interested in more information? 

Please fill out the information below to receive Legacy Society email updates, invitations and other resources via email. 

Form coming soon.

Frequently asked questions:

How does a charitable bequest work?

A charitable bequest lets you make a gift now that is realized at some point in the future and can allow a donor to make a much more sizable gift than might otherwise be possible.  Simply designate in your will or living trust that St. James – St. Leo Catholic Community will receive a specific amount or certain property at your death.  If you already have a will and/or living trust, your attorney can easily amend it through a codicil or amendment.  We are happy to provide some suggested language.  For those who want to make the mission of St. James a lasting legacy, a charitable bequest is an ideal way to make a meaningful gift. 

I’d like to make a gift but I don’t know if I can make a gift now…

Whatever your philanthropic goals, planning now is the right thing to do.  However, planning now does not mean you have to give now.  Some of the most meaningful and rewarding gifts are those that can be planned today and completed later.  Ask us for more information.