Planned Giving
Introducing the 1885 Legacy Society
In 1827, Catherine McAuley founded the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland with an inheritance gift she received from her friends, the Callahan family. They wanted to help her in her devotion to the poor, sick and uneducated people of Dublin. This generous estate gift created a ministry that resonates across the world to this day - a ministry that brought the Sisters of Mercy to Louisville and graduated its first class of women from Mercy Academy in 1885.
Today, we are blessed to receive estate and planned gifts that help us fulfill our mission to educate young women nearly 140 years later. These gifts come from people like you who believe in the value of a Mercy education. You may say, “I’m not rich. How can I help?” or “I wish I could do more.” A gift of any amount helps Mercy to continue its tradition of educating young women since 1885. Members of the 1885 Legacy Society come from all walks of life - and all income levels.
You may be a loyal alumna who treasures her memories in the halls of Broadway. You may be a parent who witnessed her daughter thrive through instruction from Mercy educators. You may be a member of the community who believes in the empowerment of an all-girls Catholic education.
No matter your connection, we hope you will consider supporting Mercy into the future with YOUR legacy gift.
Ways to Make a Legacy Gift
- Make a simple bequest to Mercy Academy in your will after taking care of your loved ones. You can bequeath a specified amount or a percentage of your estate. Consider gifting even 1% of your estate to Mercy.
- Do you have a life insurance policy or retirement account that your family does not need? Consider making Mercy the beneficiary.
- You can transfer stocks, bonds or mutual funds to Mercy. Donate appreciated securities and you may avoid paying capital gains tax.
- Give to Mercy through your established donor-advised fund.
- If you are required to take a minimum distribution from your IRA, you can donate your distribution directly to Mercy and may save money on your taxes.
Did you know that if you are 701/2 or older, you can make a tax-free gift to Mercy Academy?
You can give any amount (up to $105,000) per year directly from your IRA to a qualified charity such as Mercy. Benefits include:
- You see the difference you are making today.
- You pay no income taxes on your gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
- Because the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level. This may help lower your Medicare premiums and decrease the amount of Social Security that is subject to tax.
- Beginning the year you turn 73, your gift can count towards all or part of your required minimum distribution.
We can help! For more information about planned giving or to let us know about your planned gift, contact Director of Advancement Leslie Hibdon at 502-671-2010.
Your gift to Mercy Academy is tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. Mercy Academy is a qualified tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the tax identification number is 61-1116388.
Mercy Academy's legal name is Academy of Our Lady of Mercy and its address is 5801 Fegenbush Ln, Louisville, KY 40228. Please consult your financial advisor for the most up-to-date information about estate planning.