Estate and Planned Giving

Estate planning is a significant part of the overall development program of St Bernard Abbey and St. Bernard Preparatory School. Through estate planning our alumni, friends, and benefactors endow the future of the monastery and the school as well as protect their investments for their families. 

Good planning is essential in today's financial environment. Charitable bequests through a number of methods give an advantage to both parties, the one making the benefaction as well as the one receiving the gift. Below are some of ways to make contributions: 

Last Will and Testament:  Bequests are made according to specific instructions made in your will.

Marketable Securities:  Gifts are made of stocks, bonds or other publicly traded securities.

Real Estate:  Donation of real estate can offer unique tax benefits for the donor.

Life Insurance:  With this gift, by a relatively small sum of money (the premium), a larger gift is provided    (the policy proceeds).

Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT):  With this instrument, assets are transferred to a trust, income is retained by the donor for a number of years, and the remainder of the assets is given to St. Bernard.

Charitable Gift Annuity:  This method allows you to transfer your assets (cash, securities, securities, etc.) to a special, segregated fund, while enjoying guaranteed periodic payments for life. 

Please keep St. Bernard in mind when making decisions about your estate planning.  Many of the above gift-giving methods not only support St. Bernard in its ministries, but they can also provide a source of steady, secure income for considerable period of time!

This information contained herein does not constitute legal or financial advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice.  St. Bernard encourages you to seek professional legal, estate planning, and financial advice before deciding on a course of action.