SAINT MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION FOUNDATION
supporting the parish, school, and cemetery

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the St. Mary of the Assumption Foundation.  We hope that you will find the information below helpful as you consider making a gift to the St. Mary of the Assumption Foundation.

The Foundation is critical to both the short-term and long-term support of the St. Mary of the Assumption parish, school, and cemetery. Your prayerful consideration of the Foundation and its mission is appreciated and will no doubt positively impact many lives.

If you have questions about the Foundation or the process for making a gift, you may contact the parish office at 740.653.0997.

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

St. Mary of the Assumption Foundation

Who We Are

The Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation gratefully accepts donations to provide annual financial support for the Parish Church, School, and Cemetery.

What We Do

The Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation, in continuing the work of the Lord, seeks to support the present and future needs of Saint Mary of the Assumption by growing and responsibly using the generous gifts of persons for the church, school, cemetery, and to support parishioners with Catholic school tuition assistance, when needed.

Ways To Give

You can choose to contribute to the Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation in any number of the ways and designate your gift to the Church Fund, School Fund, Parish School Tuition Fund, Parish Maintenance Fund, Parish Cemetery Fund, or any combination of these.

Our Mission
The Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation, in continuing the work of the Lord, seeks to support the present and future needs of Saint Mary of the Assumption by growing and responsibly using the generous gifts of persons for the church, school and cemetery.

Our Investment Vision
The Foundation Board maintains the Foundation so it can serve as a permanent source of financial support to Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish and her corporal and spiritual works.
The Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation has employed Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc., to manage and guide our investment decisions with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Our Foundation History
The St. Mary of the Assumption Foundation was formed in late 1992 as a tax exempt, non-profit organization.
The Foundation operated within the parish financial structure initially, with funds being separated for the Church, School and Cemetery. Over a period of years reserves were set aside from parishioner donations and estates, and from diocesan rebates associated with diocesan special fundraising campaigns. The Foundation was formerly funded through these parish reserves in the amount of $1,250,000 during FY 1998. (Cemetery – $150,000; School – $600,000; Church – $500,000).

During the first few years Merrill Lynch handled the investment of these funds, some grants were awarded for specific purposes and additional contributions were made by parishioners. St. Mary capital improvement funds were separated from the Foundation funds and also grew.

In 2003 Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. was selected to be the investment managers for the Foundation and other church funds. At that time the Foundation funds had increased to about $2,500,500.

From 2003 to 2017, prudent investment policies with some additional support from parishioners have increased the Foundation to over $6.5 million. Grants up to 4% (over $225,000) may be awarded each year from these funds to meet specific parish needs.

Our Investment Principals & Policies
The St. Mary Foundation Board has adopted a detailed set of investment policies to guide, and where necessary, limit the Foundations investment manager and also to provide a basis for the evaluation of the investment manager in meeting the Foundation investment objectives.

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)
In 2003, Christian Brothers Investment Services, Inc. (CBIS) was selected to be the investment managers of the Saint Mary of the Assumption’s Foundation funds. CBIS is the leading global investment manager for Catholic institutions and is guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church. The St. Mary Foundation Board is concerned not only with investment profits but also in the way those profits are earned. Christian Brothers uniquely combines premier asset managers, diverse investment offerings, faith-based stock screening and shareholder advocacy to help Catholic institutions align their investments with their values and do more good in the world. Today, CBIS manages $6 billion for Catholic institutions worldwide.

Safeguard for Invested Dollars
The Board of Directors reviews at least quarterly the investment performance of the past quarter, compared to the previous year’s quarter. The Board meets with a representative of Christian Brothers, the manager the Foundation asset investments, and tracks annual performance and receives a detailed written and oral report at this meeting.
The Board is also responsible for approval of actions to sell, disburse or transfer any funds from any Foundation account. Two signatures are also necessary for the withdrawal transaction of sums exceeding $1,000.

Legal Description/Tax Status
Not-for-profit Corporation organized under the laws of the State of Ohio.
Federal Tax Identification Number: 31-1481168.
Internal Revenue Classification: 501(c)(3), Public Charity.
Deductibility: Contributions to the Foundation are deductible as provided by law. Please contact your tax adviser regarding the deductibility of donations to the Foundation

Support that Fits your Giving Needs and Goals
You can choose to contribute to the Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation in any number of the ways ascribed below and designate your gift to the Church Fund, School Fund, Cemetery Fund, Parish Tuition Assistance Fund,  Parish Maintenance Fund or any combination of these. Donations in the past have been made by cash, check, credit card or wire transfer. You should contact your personal financial advisor to determine how your wishes can best be accomplished.

Planned Giving
By definition, planned giving is a major gift that comes from the donor’s financial or estate planning. Some donors are in a position to make the gift (or multiple gifts) during their lifetime, but many make the gift as a bequest in their will. Planned gifts can offer many benefits to the donor, including tax benefits or the potential for returned income.

Beneficiary Designation
A Beneficiary Designation is one of the simplest ways to support the foundation. Just name the St Mary Foundation as a beneficiary to receive assets such as retirement plans and life insurance policies after you’re gone. You simply fill out a beneficiary form provided by your retirement plan or insurance company that is entirely separate from your will and makes this approach an easy way to give.

Memorials and Tributes
If you have a loved one who has been impacted by Saint Mary Church, School or Cemetery, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor your loved one or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the work of our mission. Your memorial or tribute gift will be a lasting tribute to your loved one and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Memorial gifts of $1000 or more are memorialized on the plaque in the Church’s south entrance.

Charitable Gift Annuity
A Charitable Gift Annuity is a fund which provides you with a fixed stream of income for your lifetime. Upon your death, the remainder of the annuity may be transferred to the St Mary Foundation if so designated.

Charitable Lead and Charitable Remainder Trust
Charitable Trusts allow you to donate cash, marketable securities or other assets to The St Mary Foundation. Trusts offer you the flexibility on how your payments get distributed.

Donor Advised Fund
A Donor Advised Fund helps you conveniently consolidate and manage your charitable giving. Often referred to as a “charitable checkbook”, this fund allows you to support multiple charities

Saint Mary of the Assumption Foundation
132 South High Street
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
740.653.0997

Dawn Burley
Parish Administrator
Office: 740.653.0997
Email

Rev. Fr. Craig R. Eilerman
Pastor
Phone: 740.653.0997