The Charitable Foundation at St. Mary University Parish

Tax Exempt under Section 501 (c) (3)

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1405 S. Washington St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 773-3931
Fax: (989) 772-2745
joyce@stmarycmu.org

Serving Central Michigan University since 1959

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Serving Others: An exciting thought!

Our foundation exists to put prayer into action. The parish already has ties to people projects in El Salvador and Mexico. We anticipate expanding to serve other local, national, and international needs. Twice a year our Board of Trustees will meet to review nominated projects and award funding. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated.

What is the Foundation?

Our Foundation is part of a diocesan-wide plan to establish endowed foundations in its parishes. Our parish was the first to participate, starting in February 2000 with an initial donation of $250,000.

Investments for the Foundation are handled by the Investment Committee of the Saginaw Diocese, allowing us to concentrate on directing the money where it is needed. 5% of the value of the Foundation is available annually to fund projects. The rest is reinvested to grow the Foundation's value.

The nine members of our governing board come from diverse backgrounds. All are dedicated to the growth and good works of the Foundation. Their terms are staggered to insure that fresh ideas are brought to the organization. The board will always include:

Our pastor
A member of our Parish Council
A member of our Parish Service and Justice Commission
A Central Michigan University student member of our parish
Five others with recognized dedication to our effort

Who can Contribute?

Anyone who wants to give to an organization that will do good things.

Why should you give?

If you have a desire or need to help bring about a better world and the Kingdom of God--you should give.

If you wish to share some of the abundance God have given you--you should give.

If you want to rest assured that money you contribute will go to a good cause--you should give.

How do I give?

Donations of cash can be sent to the St. Mary University Parish Charitable Foundation, 1405 S. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

Appreciated stocks can be especially appealing to give during your earning years. This allows you to write off your contribution against your income and avoid paying the capital gains tax on the stocks, while removing the donated asset from your estate. For your convenience in this type of giving, St. Mary's has a brokerage account at Isabella Bank and Trust, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Think of our Foundation when planning your will or estate. Your gift will grow to help others again and again.

Who Benefits?

From the interest on the principal we have been able to send grants totaling over $56,000 to many projects including Christ House in Washington, D.C.; Emmaus House in Saginaw, Michigan; Doctors Without Borders in New York; the Mustard Seed House, Saginaw, Michigan; the Mayan Missions, Chiapas, Mexico; Refugees International; Boysville, Michigan; St. Vincent de Paul School, Mobile, Alabama; our own St. Mary's Alms Fund (helping those in need in local counties); St. Mary's Cultural Immersion Trips for Central Michigan University students; and a Michigan Rotary Club to help pay for shipment of clothing to African refugees.

Grants have also been given to Kenquest House in Grayling, Michigan; the Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan; St. Francis Center in McArthur, Ohio; Our Lady's Youth Center in El Paso, Texas; Central Asia Institute headquartered in Bozeman, Montana for schools in Pakistan, China and N. India; Boysville, MI; Volunteer Mission Movement; St. Francis Center, OH; Kenquest House, Grayling, MI; Our Lady Youth Center, El Paso, TX; Big Brothers Big Sisters, Isabella County, MI; Goodrow Fund, Isabella County, MI; USA Harvest, Louisville, KY; St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, SD; Wheel Chair Foundation, Danville, CA; Red Cross, Isabella County, MI; Delores Mission, Los Angles, CA; East Liberty Family Health Care, Pittsburgh, PA; Commission on Aging, Isabella County, MI; El Salvador Youth Project; St. Mary University Parish Missionaries; and our own Sister Parish in Miramar, El Salvador.