Mission Matters - October, 2023

MISSION MATTERS

Welcome

to the new Mission Matters newsletter!

This quarterly resource replaces what was previously known as “The Blitz,” designed to provide regular communications with our valued donors. We look forward to featuring news on the Masonic Charities, including uplifting stories highlighting how you are making a difference, supportive planned giving strategies and resources,

opportunities to participate in upcoming events and information on services and benefits.

The Office of Mission Advancement and Development now also administers the wide range of benefits and services offered through the Masonic Outreach Program. Combining these previously separate service areas allows our team to not only facilitate funding the Masonic Charites through our stewardship with donors, but also help outreach applicants and families in need access the support the Masonic Charities offer.

Our team is available to support and assist you, because Mission Matters!

The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development - (l-r): Joyce May, Director of Annual Giving and Operations; Linda Jackson, Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support; Nicholas Mahler, VP of Mission Advancement and Development; Joyce Michelfelder, Director of Gift Planning; Mary Meszaros, Executive Assistant; and Carrie Leitzell, Planned Giving Administrator.

Milestone Moments

Over the past year (2022-2023), several of the Masonic Charities have hit key historical milestones. Our Masonic Children’s Home celebrated 110 years of caring and supporting scores of children who have called the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown their home. Pennsylvania DeMolay recently celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown campus with a weekend full of activities planned by the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. The impressive Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania celebrated its 150th anniversary with a rededication event in Philadelphia. Considering our first Masonic Village location (Lafayette Hill) was founded in 1871, we have

been providing quality care and services to seniors for over 150 years. Collectively, that’s more than 500 years of making a difference!

Individually, these milestone moments highlight some amazing accomplishments. Together, they are incredible examples of how an organization with a mission that matters maintains ongoing success and longevity. Ultimately, our Masonic Charities’ impact is symbolic of the strength and commitment we receive from our donors and supporters, both past and present. Thank you for being an integral part of these remarkable milestones!

Coming in 2023: Tax-Smart Giving Series at Masonic Villages

Join us and embrace an efficient, tax-smart approach, so you can achieve maximum reductions on tax impacts in 2023 and beyond. Economic turbulence and high interest rates are reshaping giving patterns and trends, so let us help you get Tax-Smart and gain an advantage today!

To register for one of the following free informational events, contact the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at least two days in advance of your preferred date/location at 1-800-599-6454 or giving@masonicvillages.org.

Masonic Village at Sewickley: Oct. 26, 2 p.m.

Assembly Room in Retirement Living Clubhouse

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: Nov. 1, 3 p.m.

Kenneth R. Mills Auditorium

Masonic Village at Dallas: Nov. 2, 11 a.m.

Irem Clubhouse – Room TBD

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: Nov. 7, 10:30 a.m.

Keystone Room in James Buchanan Building

CONSIDER A QCD TODAY!

Maximize Your Charitable Impact ... Benefit from the Advantages a QCD Provides

Brother Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase “a penny saved is a penny earned.” And Albert Einstein noted that “the most powerful force in the universe is compounding interest.” If you took their advice to heart, you may have be interested in considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

With diligent savings and the help of tax deferral, you may have seen your traditional retirement accounts grow substantially. But once you reach 73 years of age, you will be required to take minimum distributions (RMDs), even if you don’t need the RMDs to cover your living expenses. RMDs are included in your income and may cause you to be taxed at higher rates.

If you are at least 70½ years of age, the IRS allows you to donate up to $100,000 each year directly from your retirement accounts to a charity. This may have several benefits for you and your charity of choice:

• You maximize the charitable impact since it is not reduced by the income taxes you would pay on the RMDs.

• You reduce your income tax liability since QCDs are excluded from your income.

• You obtain the tax benefit even if you do not itemize deductions or if your deductions are phased out because of your income level.

• You have the flexibility to time your QCDs through regular installments or by one or more QCDs.

• If you are married and file a joint tax return, the limit is increased to $200,000 each year. And beginning in 2023, individuals will be allowed to make a QCD of up to $50,000 to establish a life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.