Amid an inflationary economy and despite high interest rates, donors to Catholic Missions In Canada (CMIC) determinedly delivered hearty monetary support in 2024.

This generosity made it possible for the non-profit to provide $5 million in grants, 80 per cent earmarked for sustaining missionaries who are propagating the Word of God and emulating Jesus’ servant heart, hands and feet in some of the remotest communities across the country.

Notably, CMIC also provided funds for 18 men to begin their journey of priestly formation this year in Canadian seminaries. Additionally, the Toronto-headquartered charity aids religious education and lay leader development programs, along with financially backing repairs and upgrades to mission parishes.

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Stewardship officer Joe Gennaro said giving to CMIC should be appealing to Canadian Catholics “as 100 per cent of the funds raised stay in Canada.” He also notes that the charity's “administration fees are one of the lowest amongst charities, which means that well over 90 per cent goes directly to the missions.”

CMIC’s longevity — it dates back to 1908, when it was originally known as the Catholic Church Extension Society of Canada — is a potent testament that generations of Canadians believe this to be an entity worth supporting.

Many Canadians over time have also invested in CMIC’s slate of planned giving options.

For one, the charitable gift annuity program, established in 1952, continues to go strong after 72 years. Anyone aged 70 years old or older can sign up with a minimum amount of $10,000. This program is described “as the gift that gives back” as you get to make a meaningful gift that lasts, increases your annual income and reduces your taxes.

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Specifically, annuitants could receive a one-time charitable donation receipt for 20 per cent or more of their initial gift. Joint annuities are available with your spouse or with other family members. There are Canadians still earning interest on CMIC charitable gift annuities that date back to the early 1990s.

Gennaro said donors are including CMIC in their estate planning by naming the non-profit as a life insurance beneficiary. The main benefit, he said, “is that all payments are 100-per-cent receiptable.”

Endowment funds are another planned giving pathway benefactors find ideal when they seek to create a legacy gift that will last long after they are gone. CMIC states on its website that “by establishing an endowment with Catholic Missions In Canada, you’ll create a legacy of faith that will benefit missionaries and their ministries across our country forever.” The income from this program “mainly supports the education of seminarians for mission dioceses.” Endowments can be funded through outright gifts, a life insurance policy, bequests or publicly traded securities.

In 2024, CMIC began a new initiative to spawn fresh contributions and planned giving interest called donor mission trips. 

“We’ve visited Saskatoon and Edmonton and invited 20 or so local donors (in those cities) to bring their friends who might be interested in Catholic Missions In Canada,” said Gennaro. “We want to introduce ourselves to Catholics across the country and spread the word.”

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Gennaro, CMIC president Fr. David Reilander and other members of the team plan to visit Ottawa for one more of these gatherings before the calendar year ends. They intend to journey to Winnipeg and London, Ont., during the first half of 2025.

Visit https://cmic.info/planned-giving/contact/ to learn more about planned giving to CMIC.