Donor Spotlight: Donors Ann and Sheffield Clarke
Ann and Sheffield Clarke
When you ask Ann and Sheffield (Sheff) Clarke about their philanthropy, two things are clear: First, the couple has a deep passion for and a commitment to local community issues where they want to make a real difference. Also, they have thoroughly researched how to best use their Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and other giving tools to benefit local non-profits, including Catholic Charities and other causes in their charitable giving portfolio.
Describing themselves as “deeply embedded” in downtown San Jose, the Clarkes have lived in their home for 47 years—located near the San Jose State University campus—where they raised their three children and foster-parented many more. Both Ann and Sheff are now retired, and their children have finished their education and are independent. They realized they were at the stage of life where they had the income to live comfortably and give to the causes they loved, including tithing to their church.
“We have these material things by the grace of our Creator,” Sheff said. “And they are only ours temporarily during our time on earth. It’s meant to be shared.” Ann added: “As people of faith, giving to faith-based non-profits appeals to us. Catholic Charities impressed us with its broad range of services addressing the needs for food, housing and other critical needs, and serving gang-impacted youth at Washington United Youth Center, located downtown San Jose.”
Ann and Sheff have strategically used a combination of a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), and appreciated stock to support Catholic Charities. These giving methods not only maximize their charitable impact but also provide them with immediate tax advantages and the flexibility to plan their future donations effectively.
“For us, the broad vision Catholic Charities takes is what needs to be provided to have a healthy, thriving community for everyone,” according to Ann. “If you think of the ‘beloved community,’ such as envisioned by Martin Luther King Jr., it is supporting comprehensiveness of services to the poor that will make the biggest difference.”
To make a gift from your DAF, visit www.ccscc.org/daf. Learn more about Charitable Gift Annuities at www.ccscc.org/cga or contact Cecilia Bynum at cbynum@ccscc.org or 408-325-5248.
