Advancement Spotlight

7/20/2026

Phil Fernandez ’94 | Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations

This article was first published in the Traditions Magazine - Summer 2026 edition.

At  Belen Jesuit, our community feels like a family. This unique bond is rooted in our shared heritage and a deep commitment to forming “Men for Others.” To ensure our school thrives for generations to come, we rely on the visionary support of planned giving.

Planned giving is much more than just leaving instructions in a will. It is a flexible, powerful way to make a lasting impact on our campus and our students. Best of all, it allows you to look after your own family first while still supporting Belen’s mission.

There are several traditional and accessible ways to make a planned gift:

  • Beneficiary Designations: You can easily name Belen as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or retirement accounts, like an IRA.

  • Wills and Trusts: You can designate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to the school.

  • Real Estate: Gifting a home, land, or commercial property is a wonderful option that can offer significant tax benefits while leaving a lasting legacy.

While these traditional methods are the foundation of our support, Belen is also looking toward the future. We recently established the Mariana Society to honor forward-thinking donors who pledge their future support to the school. To match the modern digital landscape, this includes unique modern assets. For example, a donor can secure their place in the Mariana Society by making a $250,000 Bitcoin pledge, allowing them to transform highly appreciated cryptocurrency into a powerful future for our school.

Every planned gift, no matter the vehicle, leaves a tangible mark on Belen. In the past, these visionary commitments have completely transformed our community. They fund vital financial assistance, ensuring that qualified young men can experience a Jesuit education regardless of their financial circumstances. They also fund the construction of new campus spaces, giving our faculty the state-of-the-art facilities they need to help our students grow academically and spiritually.

By considering a planned gift today, you build the foundation for tomorrow. You ensure that the warmth, faith, and excellence of the Belen family endure for centuries to come.