TH E
Blitz
FEBRUARY 2022
Information on Tax and Estate Planning from the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
No matter what the reason, Americans, and especially Masons, have stepped up through the years to support numerous charitable institutions that seek to better the lives of the less fortunate among us or to support causes to preserve our heritage and well-being. It is important that this tradition be carried on from generation to generation, for it is not the government through taxation that should be the sole source for making our lives better, but the desire of our society to help each other directly through charitable giving which makes our nation and fraternity so special.
To the extent we can help, the goal of the Office of Mission Advancement and Development is to act as a facilitator in connecting Masons and friends of the fraternity with their charitable dreams.
Why SHOULD I GIVE? After 20 years as an attorney doing charitable planning for our donors, I am always amazed and humbled by the people I meet across the country who want to help our mission or any other charitable endeavor. The joy of working with such individuals is what inspires me to travel the country and come to work each day. So, I ponder why some people give and some don’t. There are obvious reasons like the inability to give for financial reasons. But even then, I know many a “widow’s mite” who give to charity no matter how little he or she possesses. I am convinced that much giving comes from the habit or moral obligation instilled upon us from a young age. We want to help those less fortunate than us or help fulfill a cause that is important to us. Others give for social recognition or to influence an outcome in their favor.
I have always looked at my role as an attorney and gift planner not to “solicit” gifts but to assist our donors in achieving their charitable goals in the most tax efficient manner to benefit themselves, their loved ones and their favorite charitable causes. When opportunities arise for supporting a specific project or charitable mission, our goal is to inform you of such opportunities without any sales pressure. I am always reminded people give to relationships, and it is through relationships we accomplish our personal goals.
So, for 2022, consider what you might do to support our Masonic fraternity.
For a comprehensive look at what the fraternity provides to its members, Masonic families and communities, visit pagrandlodge.org/masonic-charities/. On this page, you will find the Resource Guide & Contacts, Outreach Application and the Your Masonic Charities – Do Good Unto All brochure. If you would prefer a hard copy of these materials, call our office at 1-800-599-6454, and we will mail them to you. This webpage also contains links to the Masonic Children’s Home, Masonic Library & Museum of PA, Masonic Villages, Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program and the PA Masonic Youth Foundation, all worthy of your consideration. Our office would welcome the opportunity to work with you to develop a plan to meet your charitable goals. Consider it before it’s too late, because you can’t take it with you.