Giving Through Trusts
Trusts are formal legal arrangements designating a trustee to receive and hold legal title to property and administer the property according to your instructions. Trusts can arrange for any financial or administrative function.
Trusts can be very simple, or they can be as complex as necessary to meet your various financial, charitable and personal goals.
Who Might Set Up a Trust?
- Parents who want to establish a secure source of lifetime funding for a disabled or financially irresponsible child
- Owner of a closely held or family business with heirs likely to sell after inheriting
- Owner of low-dividend stocks that are worth significantly more today than when they were purchased, or majority of portfolio in employer’s company stock
- Retiring farmer with last year’s crop to sell and no expenses to offset income
- Owner of real estate or personal property free of any lien or mortgage that is not producing any income
What Types of Trusts are There?
Charitable Lead Trust
Charitable lead trusts are designed to provide income to Chosen People Ministries immediately and for a period of years, after which the property either reverts to you or passes to those you designate, typically your children or grandchildren. These trusts are most often used to transfer assets that are expected to appreciate in value to your heirs, effectively reducing gift and estate taxes. If you anticipate high estate and gift taxes, the lead trust may be an excellent vehicle for passing assets along to your heirs.
Charitable Remainder Unitrust
The charitable remainder unitrust is a popular trust that allows you to receive an income for life. The percentage of payout is determined at the time the gift is made. Your payments vary from year to year and you can make additions at any time. When the value of the unitrust increases, your payment increases, and vice versa.
Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust
The annuity trust is similar to the unitrust with one key difference, your payments are fixed and determined at the time you establish the trust. You also receive a tax deduction upon the creation of the trust.
How can I get more information?
If you think a trust might help you, or you would like more information about charitable giving using trusts, please contact our Planned Giving department. You can e-mail us, call us at 212-223-2252, or write to us at Chosen People Ministries, 241 E. 51st Street, New York, NY 10022.
