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Archive: October 2025

Preparing Your Year Giving Strategy for 2025

Guest Author: Adam Legg, Wealth Planner at ISTO Advisors

A timely charitable giving strategy before new tax laws take effect in 2026

If you are a high-income donor who gives generously to charity and itemizes deductions on your tax return, there is an important opportunity you should know about.

Starting in 2026, new tax laws brought about by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) may limit how much of your charitable giving can be deducted on your tax return. Specifically, the first 0.5% of your income will no longer count toward itemized deductions. For example, if your income is $1,000,000, the first $5,000 of charitable donations will not be eligible to use as a deduction. So, if your total donations for the year are $30,000 in 2026, you will only be eligible to include $25,000 as an itemized charitable deduction on your tax return.

Additionally, the maximum value of itemized charitable deductions will be capped at 35%, even if you are in a higher tax bracket. That means if you are in the top federal tax bracket (currently 37%) you will lose 2% of the value of your deduction starting next year. For example, if a donor has total itemized charitable deductions of $1,000,000 in 2025, the value of that deduction at the highest tax bracket (37%) would be $370,000. However, the exact same itemized charitable deduction of $1,000,000 in 2026 would have a value that is capped at 35%, or $350,000, even if the donor is in the 37% tax bracket.

Let’s look at an example that combines the two changes above to illustrate the potential impact of this strategy.

Lorenzo, a donor in the 37% tax bracket, has an annual income of $3,750,000. He was planning to give a $1,000,000 donation in 2026. Under the new rules, which begin in 2026, his deduction on his $1,000,000 donation would yield ~$343,400 in tax savings (coming from $981,250 of eligible itemized deductions after the 0.5% income floor, and at a capped rate of 35%). If Lorenzo decided to make the $1,000,000 donation in 2025, all else being equal, his donation would yield ~$370,000 in tax savings (coming from $1,000,000 of eligible itemized deductions at his 37% tax rate). That is a difference of ~$26,600 in tax savings simply by making the donation in 2025 before the new tax laws go into effect.

One strategy is to “bunch” your donations – that is, make several years’ worth of charitable contributions in one year. With the tax laws coming into play in 2026, high-income donors may want to consider bunching donations for future years into the 2025 tax year before these new laws take effect. The key point to consider is that if you are not proactive with this strategy, future years of giving may have less of a tax savings element with the new laws coming into effect.

If you’re considering a significant charitable gift in the future, 2025 may be a good time to capitalize on the current tax laws. Further, you may consider the bunching strategy to take advantage of the current tax laws before the changes go into effect in 2026.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE

 

Adam J. Legg, CFP®, CLU®, CAP®
Wealth Planner at ISTO Advisors, LLC
Catholic Foundation of Michigan Professional Advisor
adamlegg@istoadvisors.com

Adam J. Legg is a Wealth Planner at ISTO Advisors LLC. Adam joined ISTO Advisors in 2022 and has been in the financial services industry since 2015. Adam has earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, Chartered Life Underwriter® certification, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation.

Adam is also a member of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s Professional Advisor Group. Learn more about this special group or join us by clicking here.

Hearts Aflame: Gala Raises $550K+ for Catholic Education and Youth

Over 450 guests gathered at Saint John’s Resort on October 16, 2025, for the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s sold-out Igniting Our Future Gala — an evening of faith, generosity and community. The event raised more than $550K+ to strengthen Catholic schools, scholarships, and youth programs across Michigan.

The celebration began with an exclusive VIP reception, where guests enjoyed a guided wine tasting led by a sommelier in the historic Wine Grotto, followed by private conversation with keynote speaker Fr. Mike Schmitz. Catholic Foundation President and CEO Angela Moloney welcomed guests with gratitude, recognizing the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Founders Circle and major sponsors, including Nub’s Nob, Lear Corporation, and Hour Detroit, whose support made the event possible.

“At the heart of the Catholic Foundation is a rhythm — we listen, we respond, and we connect. These connections are where God’s grace moves most powerfully.”

Serving as emcee, Fr. Joe Krupp kept the crowd laughing and inspired, reminding attendees, “Each of you carries a spark of faith. Tonight is about letting those sparks unite into something powerful.”

Building on that spirit of unity, Foundation Board Chair Chris Allen reflected on the organization’s growth. “Since the Catholic Foundation’s founding eight years ago, we’ve distributed more than $33 million in grants — $13 million of which has directly supported youth formation and Catholic education. Behind those numbers are countless stories of faith, leadership, and service.”

Greg and Lauren Fisher, Gala Chairs and Foundation board members, reflected on their family’s six-decade legacy of faith through Nub’s Nob and the Fisher Family Foundation, which continues to invest in the future of Catholic education.

“Each gift is a spark,” Greg shared. “When we give, we fan the flame — and together, those flames become a light that guides generations.”

The evening’s highlight came with Fr. Schmitz’s keynote address, “The Power of the Catholic Community: Living Faith with Courage and Joy.” Drawing from his recent book Unshakeable: Building a Life of Virtue in a World of Chaos, he challenged guests to reflect on the mission of Catholic education. “If our parish and school programs aren’t making disciples who love Jesus, they’re failures,” shared Fr. Mike Schmitz.

That message echoed in a short impact video featuring stories from Shrine Catholic, Gesu, St. William, and St. Anne Catholic Schools — real lives touched by the Foundation’s scholarships and grants. The stories inspired a wave of generosity during the paddle raise, with gifts ranging from $100 to $25,000. Other highlights included a live auction featuring prizes such as Flowers for a Year from Thrifty Florist and a Good News Cruise vacation package donated by Corporate Travel Service.

Archbishop Edward Weisenburger closed the program with a special blessing before guests gathered for a nightcap reception and a performance by Detroit-born soprano Angela Theis.

“I am continually inspired by the generosity of this community,” shared Angela Moloney.

“Because of you, the Catholic Foundation continues to be a beacon of faith, guiding others to give, to serve, and to ignite our shared futures,” said Angela. 

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors,  and volunteers who made the 2025 Igniting Our Future Gala a success — affirming once again that when faith and generosity unite, the future is bright. To make a post-event gift or fulfill a paddle-raise pledge, click the button below or visit: https://bit.ly/cfmgalagive

CLICK TO GIVE

Happy Birthday, Archbishop Emeritus Allen Vigneron!

 

As we joyfully celebrate Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron’s birthday today, October 21, the Catholic Foundation of Michigan invites you to honor his decades of faithful leadership by supporting a cause especially close to his heart — the St. Anne Scholars Fund.

Archbishop Emeritus Allen Vigneron in 2022 during the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s Founders Circle pilgrimage In The Footsteps of St. Paul.

Established under Archbishop Emeritus Vigneron’s patronage, this scholarship fund provides tuition assistance to families across the Archdiocese of Detroit, ensuring that every child who desires a Catholic education has the opportunity to receive one — regardless of financial circumstance. Since 2020, the St. Anne Scholars Fund has awarded $1.32 million in scholarships, helping 500+ families grow in faith, wisdom, and hope.

“It is about doing the right thing, the right way. The St. Anne Scholarship puts pastors and leadership in a primary position to do good. It is personal.”
— Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron

Your gift in honor of Archbishop Vigneron’s birthday will:

  • Open doors for new families seeking a Catholic education and help those with the greatest financial need keep their children in Catholic schools.
  • Empower educators and pastors to serve and walk with families personally.
  • Strengthen our Catholic schools by easing financial burdens, so they can be more mission-driven centers of evangelization vs. budget driven.

Include A Special Note or Birthday Blessing for Archbishop Emeritus Vigneron

When you make your gift, we warmly invite you to include a personal message — a note of gratitude, blessing, or reflection in honor of Archbishop Vigneron’s birthday. Our team will compile these messages and will personally persent to His Excellency as thanksgiving from our community.

Make your gift today in honor of Archbishop Vigneron’s birthday and help us ignite the future for Catholic students across southeast Michigan.

CLICK TO GIVE

 

 

 

Hour Media Features Igniting Our Future Gala


As Seen in Hour Detroit: Igniting Our Future Gala 2025

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s Igniting Our Future Gala lit up the Monarch Room at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth on October 16, 2025. Now in its second year, the sold-out celebration brought together hundreds of Catholic leaders, families, and friends to support the Foundation’s mission of strengthening Catholic education and youth formation across Michigan.

Guests enjoyed an evening of faith, fellowship, and inspiration, featuring a keynote by renowned speaker and priest Fr. Mike Schmitz, a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and heartfelt moments of generosity that will continue to impact countless lives.

Hour Detroit, one of our incredible Bright Horizon sponsors, beautifully captured the spirit and joy of the evening — view their full gallery below.

As seen in

Hour Detroit: Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s Igniting Our Future Gala 2025

Photographs by Erin Marie Miller · Published Oct. 19, 2025

View Photo Gallery→

Thank you to Hour Media, one of our Bright Horizon sponsors, for capturing the joy of the evening.

All Photos by Hour Media. Used with credit. Published October 19, 2025.

 

Ave Maria Radio Features Igniting Our Future Gala

Ave Maria Radio Feature: Igniting Our Future Gala

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan was honored to be featured live on Ave Maria Radio on October 3, 2025, to share about the upcoming Igniting Our Future Gala.

During the interview, Angela Moloney, President and CEO of the Foundation, spoke about the growing impact of Catholic education across Michigan and shared powerful stories of students, educators and families whose lives have been transformed through the generosity of donors and partners.

While gala tickets sold out, there are still meaningful ways to participate. A gift of any amount can help us in our mission to build scholarship funds and support youth and education programs across Michigan.

Listen to the full interview below, and if you feel inspired to join us in our mission to ignite hearts and strengthen the future of Catholic education, click here to make a gift! The Foundation is featured in the second segment starting at the 36:04 mark.


▶️ Listen Now

Opens in a new tab on Ave Maria Radio – Segment starts at 36:04.

——

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2025CONTACT: Angela Moloney
Angela@CatholicFoundationMichigan.org

CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF MICHIGAN HOSTS SOLD-OUT IGNITING OUR FUTURE GALA 

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Catholic Foundation of Michigan will host its 2nd Annual Igniting Our Future Gala on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth. The event is sold out and will welcome more than 400 guests—Catholic leaders, families, sponsors, and community members—coming together to celebrate Catholic education and youth programs across Michigan while raising critical funds to support generations to come.

The Igniting Our Future Gala is more than a celebration; it is a movement to empower families and students through Catholic education. Proceeds will directly support scholarships, sustain parish and school programming, and strengthen youth initiatives throughout Michigan.

The evening will feature a keynote address from Fr. Mike Schmitz, one of the country’s most recognized Catholic voices, with the lively Fr. Joe Krupp serving as emcee. Guests will enjoy a VIP wine tasting, live entertainment, and recognition of the sponsors who make this mission possible, including Title Sponsor Nub’s Nob and major partners such as Lear Corporation and Hour Media.

Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on an exclusive auction item, including a once-in-a-lifetime 2027 Good News Cruise Catholic couples’ getaway, generously donated by Corporate Travel Service, valued at $15,000. 

“Education is one of the greatest investments we can make in our future,” said Angela Moloney, President and CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan. “This sold-out event is a clear sign of the passion and commitment in our community to ensure every family has access to a faith-filled education.”

Since its founding in 2017, the Catholic Foundation of Michigan has distributed more than $33 million in grants to over 650 organizations supporting parishes, schools, and nonprofits. For more information about the Gala, or to learn how you can support Catholic education and youth programs, please visit https://catholicfoundationmichigan.org/gala2025.

Read More

2025 Igniting Our Future: Gala Program Book

Sold-Out Gala Features $15,000 Good News Cruise Live Auction Item

Event date: October 16, 2025 • St. John’s Resort

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan is thrilled to announce that Corporate Travel Service has generously donated an incredible live auction item for our Igniting Our Future Gala on October 16, 2025. With tickets officially sold out and more than 400 guests preparing to gather at St. John’s Resort, excitement is building for an unforgettable evening of faith, community, and impact.

The Auction Highlight: Good News Cruise for Two

One lucky couple will have the chance to sail away on the Good News Cruise 2027, a premier Catholic couples’ getaway valued at $15,000. Setting sail February 6–13, 2027 from Fort Lauderdale aboard Holland America’s Eurodam, this retreat combines faith, fellowship, and world-class entertainment.

The package includes:
  • A window cabin (with option to upgrade)
  • Front-row seats for a concert with Grammy-winning artist Harry Connick Jr.
  • A personal meet-and-greet with Fr. Mike Schmitz
  • An invitation to the exclusive speaker cocktail party

The Good News Cruise brings together an inspiring lineup of speakers, including Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Kimberly & Dr. Scott Hahn, and Fr. Mike Schmitz. Couples will also experience daily Mass onboard, powerful faith-filled talks, and unique themed evenings such as “Formal Night” and “Night on the Town.” The ship will visit ports in Miami, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay, giving participants the opportunity to rest, recharge, and deepen their faith while exploring stunning destinations.

Made Possible by the Generosity of Corporate Travel Service

We are deeply grateful to Corporate Travel Service for making this extraordinary experience available to our community. Their generosity helps strengthen Catholic education and youth programs across Michigan through the funds raised at the Gala. Want to learn more about this inspiring Catholic couples’ getaway? Visit www.goodnewscruise.com and explore the faith-filled adventure that could soon be yours!

We look forward to celebrating with our sponsors, supporters, and Catholic leaders who make this mission possible!

Learn More About the Good News Cruise