About Charitable Lead Trusts
A Charitable Lead Trust is a type of trust that allows you to make a charitable gift while retaining some control over the assets during your lifetime.
This type of trust makes annual payments to a charity for a set number of years, after which the remaining assets are distributed to non-charitable beneficiaries that you choose (many people choose their family members).
Benefits
- Receive an immediate income tax deduction for the value of your contributions
- Retain some control over the assets donated
- Provide for your family’s financial security
- Create a lasting legacy of a resilient San Francisco Bay for all.
How it works
- Create a trust and fund it with assets, such as cash, securities, or real estate.
- The trust makes annual payments to Baykeeper for a set number of years, based on a predetermined formula or percentage of the trust assets.
- At the end of the charitable period, the remaining assets are distributed to non-charitable beneficiaries, chosen by you, such as your family members.
- Receive an immediate tax deduction for the present value of the charitable payments made by the trust.
Learn more about Charitable Lead Trusts
To determine if a Charitable Lead Trust is right for you, we recommend consulting a qualified estate planning attorney and a financial advisor to evaluate your individual circumstances.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
More ways to make an impact
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust that reflect your values – like environmental protection – are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold, while also supporting a thriving San Francisco Bay.
Popular tax-smart gifts
Many of our supporters are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact to protect San Francisco Bay, at less cost to them.