Ways To Give
Your financial support ignites transformation
Monetary Support: Circle Urban Ministries welcomes financial contributions in various forms, including cash, checks, and credit cards. Checks can be made payable to “Circle Urban Ministries” and sent to the following address:
Circle Urban Ministries
118 N. Central Avenue
Chicago, IL 60644
Online Giving: You can easily make a secure online donation to Circle Urban Ministries right here on our website. Your digital contribution is a powerful way to support our transformative work in the community. Online giving can be done by using the form to the right of this page.
Circle Urban Ministries gladly accepts donations of publicly traded securities, such as stocks, mutual funds, municipal and corporate bonds, as well as treasury bills and notes, that are listed on either the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange.
Contributions of appreciated securities may offer potential tax advantages. It’s advisable to consult with your financial advisor, accountant, or attorney to understand the implications for your specific tax situation. To facilitate a gift of stock, please arrange for a wire transfer to Circle Urban Ministries’ brokerage account.
For further information regarding this type of transfer, please reach out to Kim Catchings, Chief Operations Officer at kimc@circleurban.org. When initiating the stock transfer, kindly ensure that your name is included in the transaction details. This will aid us in promptly recognizing and acknowledging your generous contribution.
Circle Urban Ministries welcomes donations of real estate, which may encompass both developed and undeveloped residential and commercial properties, subject to the organization’s assessment of the property’s suitability for acceptance.
In cases where the property is not designated for programmatic use, Circle Urban Ministries will make efforts to sell it at a price aligned with the prevailing market value, ensuring a fair transaction.
Circle Urban Ministries welcomes donations of tangible property, including vehicles, equipment, jewelry, artwork, and other physical assets. These generous contributions can be repurposed for programmatic use or sold to support our various initiatives. If you have tangible property you’d like to donate, please reach out to our Chief Operations Officer, Kim Catchings, at Kimc@circleurban.org. Kim will be delighted to assist you in discussing the details of your donation and exploring the best way to utilize or convert your items to further our mission of transforming lives in the Austin neighborhood. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Life insurance policies offer a unique and meaningful way to support Circle Urban Ministries and leave a lasting legacy of impact. By naming Circle Urban Ministries as a beneficiary or transferring ownership of a paid-up policy, you can ensure that our mission to transform lives in the Austin neighborhood continues for generations to come.
How to Donate a Life Insurance Policy:
- Beneficiary Designation: You can name Circle Urban Ministries as a beneficiary of your existing life insurance policy. This simple step allows you to allocate a portion or the entirety of the policy’s proceeds to support our organization’s initiatives.
- Transfer of Ownership: If you have a paid-up life insurance policy, you can transfer ownership to Circle Urban Ministries. This action may qualify you for a charitable income tax deduction.
- New Policy: You may choose to purchase a new life insurance policy with Circle Urban Ministries as the owner and beneficiary. By making premium payments, you can provide future support to our programs and services.
- Consultation: We recommend discussing your life insurance donation with your financial advisor or estate planner to explore the tax benefits and financial implications of this generous contribution.
- By considering a life insurance donation to Circle Urban Ministries, you contribute to the lasting impact of our work in the Austin neighborhood, helping individuals and families thrive. For more information or assistance, please reach out to James Borishade at jamesb@circleurban.org.
Your thoughtful generosity is deeply appreciated and plays a vital role in realizing our mission.
Honorary and Memorial Gifts:
Honoring a loved one’s memory or celebrating a special occasion through a donation to Circle Urban Ministries is a meaningful way to make a positive impact in our community. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or the memory of a dear friend or family member, these gifts serve as a lasting tribute while supporting our mission to transform lives in the Austin neighborhood.
Honorary Gifts:
When you make an honorary gift to Circle Urban Ministries, you recognize someone special while contributing to the betterment of our community. These gifts are a thoughtful way to celebrate:
- Birthdays: Marking another year of life by giving back to those in need.
- Anniversaries: Commemorating years of love and partnership by supporting a cause you believe in.
- Graduations: Congratulating a graduate with a gift that empowers others to achieve their goals.
Memorial Gifts:
Memorial gifts are a heartfelt way to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away. By making a donation in their name, you create a legacy of compassion and hope. Memorial gifts can be made to:
- Remember a Loved One: Celebrate their life by continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.
- Express Condolences: Offer comfort and support to grieving friends and family while contributing to a cause they cared about.
How to Make an Honorary or Memorial Gift:
Making an honorary or memorial gift is simple:
- Online Donation: Visit our donation page and select the “Honorary” or “Memorial” option. Provide the requested details, and your gift will be processed securely.
- Check or Mail: You can also send a check by mail with a note specifying whether the gift is honorary or memorial. Include the honoree’s or the loved one’s name, and we’ll send an acknowledgment to their family or the honoree.
Your honorary and memorial gifts strengthen our community and provide hope to those we serve. Thank you for choosing to commemorate special occasions or remember loved ones in a way that makes a lasting impact. For more information or assistance, please reach out to our Development Department at [Contact Information].
Your thoughtfulness and generosity are deeply appreciated, creating a legacy of kindness and transformation.
Planned Giving: Leave a Legacy of Hope
Your commitment to Circle Urban Ministries can extend far beyond your lifetime. Through planned giving, you have the power to leave a lasting legacy that continues to transform lives in the Austin neighborhood for generations to come.
What is Planned Giving?
Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, involves arranging charitable contributions now to benefit Circle Urban Ministries in the future. These thoughtful gifts ensure that our mission endures, providing vital support for years, decades, and even centuries ahead.
Ways to Make a Planned Gift:
- Bequests: Include Circle Urban Ministries in your will or trust. Your bequest can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other bequests.
- Charitable Gift Annuities: Receive fixed income payments for life, with the remaining funds benefiting Circle Urban Ministries.
- Life Insurance: Designate Circle Urban Ministries as a beneficiary or owner of a life insurance policy.
- Retirement Plans: Name Circle Urban Ministries as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement accounts.
- Charitable Remainder Trusts: Create a trust that provides you or a loved one with income for life or a specific term, with the remainder going to Circle Urban Ministries.
- Real Estate: Donate property, such as a home, commercial building, or undeveloped land, to support our mission.
Why Choose Planned Giving?
- Leave a Legacy: Your planned gift ensures that your values and commitment to our community live on.
- Financial Benefits: Some planned gifts offer tax benefits, such as reduced estate taxes and income tax deductions.
- Impact: Planned gifts help us continue our vital work, providing hope and transformation to those in need.
How to Get Started:
Planning your legacy gift is a personal and meaningful process. It often involves consulting with financial advisors, estate planners, and attorneys to ensure your wishes are carried out effectively.
To discuss planned giving options, learn more about the impact of legacy gifts, or request assistance, please contact our CEO at jamesb@circleurban.org. We’re here to provide information, answer questions, and support you in creating a lasting legacy of hope through Circle Urban Ministries.
Thank you for considering planned giving as a way to make a difference that endures, shaping a brighter future for our community. Your commitment is truly appreciated, and your legacy of hope will be cherished for generations to come.
If you wish to direct your donation to a specific initiative, please indicate your choice using the dropdown menu above.