Bequests and major gifts to The Grotto are important and valuable to ensure that existing ministries and the shrine itself will be present for years to come. Gifts in your name or in the names of loved ones may be made during a person’s lifetime or after death.

Through your will, you can permanently secure the ministries of The Grotto with an endowment fund, or create a donor advised fund to be directed by your loved ones. There are many ways to create a charitable legacy. Your gift may include either a specific amount or a portion of your estate.

Read our latest Legacy Newsletter

Benefits of giving through your will or estate:

• Secure a legacy that ensure the future ministries of The Grotto.
• Make a gift while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime.
• You may modify your bequest at any time.
• You may create a separate fund named for yourself or in the name of someone you wish to honor.
• A gift from your estate is entirely free from federal & state taxes.

The Bequest Society

Membership in The Grotto Bequest Society is available to those who have already made a will and have included The Grotto as a beneficiary.  Benefits include remembrance in a special Mass for members every month while they are living, and perpetual membership in all Masses and prayers celebrated at the shrine after death. You are invited to arrange for membership by applying to our Office of Gift Planning at P.O. Box 20008, Portland Or 97294-0008 or calling 503-254-7371 or emailing office@thegrotto.org.

Types of Bequests

Cash Bequest: Give a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate. More information: Click here

Gifts of Stocks and Bonds: These options have income tax benefits which have the potential to help you in your financial and tax planning. More information: Click here

Residuary Bequest: The Grotto receives a percentage of the remainder of your estate after the payment of any specific bequests and expenses. More information: Click here

Gifts From Your Retirement Plan: Designate The Grotto as a beneficiary of the remainder of your IRA or qualified pension plan. More information: Click here

Gifts of Life Insurance: Name The Grotto as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. More information: Click here

Charitable Gift Annuities: A Charitable Gift Annuity is a simple arrangement that involves a charitable gift and an annuity. You make the gift (part of which is tax deductible), and then you receive fixed annuity payments each year for the remainder of your life. If you wish, you can have the payments go to a family member or friend instead.  The Grotto partners with National Christian Foundation to offer expertise and guidance in gift planning to our supporters.  Please contact Katie Kavehrad, Director of Giver Services NCF at 503-892-6264 or kkavehrad@nationalchristian.com for assistance with a Charitable Gift Annuity. More information: Click here

Sample Bequest Language and Tax ID

“I, (name), of (city, state, zip), give, devise, and bequest the sum of (specific amount or percentage of the estate or description of property) to the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR 97220, TAX I.D. #93-0386924.”  More information: Click here

Codicil

If you already have a will, draft a codicil to make a change without creating an entirely new document.

We advise that all donors speak with a financial adviser and/or an attorney when thinking of making a planned gift.

For more information, please call 503-254-7371, or email office@thegrotto.org.