Year-End Giving
Your Gift Keeps The Grotto a Place of Prayer, Hope, and Healing
As 2026 draws to a close, we are thankful for the blessings God has provided The Grotto through friends like you. Every day, guests from around the world come to the Sanctuary seeking peace, lighting candles in prayer, attending Mass, and admiring the beauty along the trails.
Because of your generosity, The Grotto has welcomed guests from a variety of faiths and cultures for more than a century. As you reflect on God’s blessings, we invite you to make a year-end gift that will help sustain The Grotto’s ministry of prayer, peace, and natural beauty for generations to come.
New for 2026: Tax Benefits for More Donors
Recent federal tax law changes could create new charitable giving opportunities for you. Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who claim the standard deduction may be eligible to deduct qualifying charitable contributions, even if they do not itemize their deductions.
Individual taxpayers could be eligible for a deduction of up to $1,000, while married couples filing jointly may be eligible for a deduction of up to $2,000, subject to applicable IRS requirements. For many supporters, this change could make charitable giving even more meaningful from both a philanthropic and tax-planning perspective.
Choose the Giving Option That's Right for You
Recent federal tax law changes could create new charitable giving opportunities for you. Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who claim the standard deduction may be eligible to deduct qualifying charitable contributions, even if they do not itemize their deductions.
Individual taxpayers could be eligible for a deduction of up to $1,000, while married couples filing jointly may be eligible for a deduction of up to $2,000, subject to applicable IRS requirements. For many supporters, this change could make charitable giving even more meaningful from both a philanthropic and tax-planning perspective.
Online Giving
A secure online gift is the fastest and easiest way to support The Grotto.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF) directly through The Grotto’s website. Many donors find this to be one of the simplest and most tax-efficient ways to support the Sanctuary.
IRA Charitable Gifts (QCDs)
If you are age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA may provide significant tax benefits while supporting The Grotto’s mission.
Gifts of Appreciated Stock
A gift of appreciated securities may allow you to maximize your support while potentially reducing capital gains taxes.
Delivery Instructions for gift of securities:
Charles Schwab & Co.
Account #3037-7174
Account Name: The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother (The Grotto)
DTC # 0164, Code 40
Legacy Giving
By including The Grotto in your will, trust, retirement account, or beneficiary designation, you can help ensure that future generations continue to experience peace and spiritual renewal at the Sanctuary. The Grotto partners with Catholic Legacy to provide you with a free way to create a legally valid will.
Important Year-End Deadlines
By including The Grotto in your will, trust, retirement account, or beneficiary designation, you can help ensure that future generations continue to experience peace and spiritual renewal at the Sanctuary. The Grotto partners with Catholic Legacy to provide you with a free way to create a legally valid will.
| Giving Method | Recommended Deadline |
|---|---|
| Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Grants | December 15 |
| IRA Charitable Gifts (QCDs) | December 15 |
| Gifts of Stock | December 15 |
| Gifts by Mail | Postmarked by December 31 |
| Online Gifts | 11:59 PM on December 31 |
Important Information
As you consider your charitable giving, we encourage you to consult with your financial, tax, and legal advisors to determine the best options that support your family, financial goals, and philanthropic intentions. The information provided by The Grotto is educational in nature and not intended as professional advice.
The Grotto welcomes the opportunity to work with you and your professional advisors to help fulfill your charitable intentions while supporting a place of prayer, hope, and healing for generations to come. Thank you for your prayerful generosity.
The Grotto Team is happy to assist you with any questions. Please contact:
Patrick Ryan
Director of Mission Advancement
503-261-2408 (Direct line)
pryan@thegrotto.org