You Receive

Convenient and accessible. Conserves cash for other uses.

Tax Savings

Income tax deductible for itemizers up to 60% of adjusted gross income (AGI). Taxpayers with higher incomes may be affected by slight adjustments. Any excess is deductible over the next five years. For 2026, there is a new universal deduction available for those who take the standard deduction. Nonitemizer taxpayers will be able to deduct cash gifts to charity of up to $1,000 or $2,000, depending upon whether they file taxes singly or jointly. (Gifts to donor advised funds are not included in the nonitemizer deduction.) Income tax deductible as above, but up to 30% of AGI. Capital gains tax not incurred; full value of asset is deductible. Where there is little increase in value over the cost of an asset, it may be best to choose to base your tax deduction on the cost basis of the property and elect to deduct that amount up to 60% of AGI. Any excess is deductible over the next five years.

Other Advantages

Cash and securities may be used to make charitable gifts.

You Receive

The satisfaction of knowing that a meaningful gift has been arranged.

Tax Savings

Federal estate tax deduction for amount bequeathed to charity.

Other Advantages

Opportunity to make a substantial gift without depleting funds needed during life. May be revised at any time.

You Receive

Income earned by trust may be paid to donor, charity, or other(s).

Tax Savings

No income tax benefits (unless income goes to charity). When property passes to Seattle Colleges Foundation at death of donor, estate tax deduction is allowed for amounts transferred for charitable purposes.

Other Advantages

Opportunity to change the trust (and gift), if desired. Avoidance of probate. Opportunity for professional management of assets in trust by those of donor’s choosing.

You Receive

The satisfaction of knowing that a meaningful gift has been arranged.

Tax Savings

Depends on the asset given (For instance, retirement plan assets are heavily taxed when left to heirs.)

Other Advantages

Does not require a change to a will. May be revised at any time.

You Receive

Variable annual income to donor and/or other beneficiary(ies). Rate of income defined in trust agreement (at least 5% of trust assets).

Tax Savings

Income tax charitable deduction for a portion of the value of the assets placed in trust. Value of trust assets at death generally deductible from estate for tax purposes. Capital gains tax bypassed at time of funding.

Other Advantages

Asset segmentation and preservation. Supplement income of the donor and/or others. May be created for a term of years in order to provide income for short-term needs. Professional management of funds by those of donor’s choosing.

You Receive

Fixed annual income to donor and/or other beneficiary(ies). Income amount defined in trust agreement (at least 5% of initial trust assets).

Tax Savings

Income tax charitable deduction for the value of the gift that it is expected will be distributed to Seattle Colleges Foundation at the termination of the trust. Value of trust assets at death generally deductible from estate for tax purposes. Capital gains tax bypassed at time of funding.

Other Advantages

Asset segmentation and preservation. Supplement income for the donor or others. May be created for a term of years in order to provide income for short-term needs. Professional management of funds by those of donor’s choosing.

You Receive

Donor receives no income from the trust. Check with advisors on specific tax treatment of different types of charitable lead trusts.

Tax Savings

In most cases either a current income tax charitable deduction or gift and estate tax deductions. Trust may owe income tax on income realized in excess of amounts distributed to charity.

Other Advantages

May provide a means to make a significant gift and have assets returned to donor, or transferred to loved ones at reduced cost. Professional management of funds by those of donor’s choosing.