Ways to Give

Securities and mutual funds that have increased in value and been held for more than one year are one of the most popular assets to use when making a gift to the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge. Making a gift of securities or mutual funds to us offers you the chance to support our work while realizing important benefits for yourself.

When you donate appreciated securities or mutual funds you have held more than one year to us in support of our mission, you can reduce or even eliminate federal capital gains taxes on the transfer. You are also entitled to a federal income tax charitable deduction based on the fair market value of the securities at the time of the transfer. Please let us know if you would like to make a gift of securities by filling out our form here.

In order to receive a tax deduction for this calendar year, the following requirements must be met:

• If you physically deliver the certificate to us, a representative of the Diocese must have physical possession of the certificate by the end of the day on December 31.
• If you mail the certificate to us, the certificate and the stock power must be postmarked on or before December 31.
• If transferred on the books of the broker, the transfer must be shown on the books of the company by the donor or his broker making the transaction with the company by the end of the day on December 31.

Your employer may sponsor a matching gift program which could potentially match charitable contributions made by you. If your company is eligible, simply request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. In some cases, your gift maybe even tripled!

For your convenience, click here to research whether your company sponsors a matching gift program.  Simply type in the name of your company in the field and the search engine does the rest for you!

Outright cash gifts are the most common form of giving, such as through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.  Your gift becomes immediately available to support important programs and services.  The donor will be credited with the full amount of his or her gift.

To make a gift to the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, follow these simple steps:

1. Make your check payable to: Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge
2. Write the name of the diocesan fund you wish to support in the memo line (ie: Priest Retirement Fund).  If you are unsure where to direct your gift, call the Office of Stewardship at (225) 336-8790
3. Mail to:

Office of Stewardship
c/o Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge
P.O. Box 2028
Baton Rouge, LA 70821