A Living Trust is created during the maker's lifetime in which the grantor transfers some or all of his or her property into the trust. Some living trusts are set up so that they can be changed during the maker's lifetime. These are called "revocable." Others, known as "irrevocable," are set up so that they can't be changed or touched.

Living trusts are an excellent way to avoid the cost and hassle of probate because the property you transfer into the trust during your life passes directly to the trust beneficiaries after you die, without court involvement. The successor trustee–the person you appoint to handle the trust after your death–simply transfers ownership to the beneficiaries you named in the trust. Living trusts are also called "inter vivos trusts."

Where did the idea of Trusts come from?

The concept of the charitable gift annuity in America dates back to 1843, when a merchant in Boston first donated a gift of money to the American Bible Society.  Today, the concept includes valuable tax benefits for donors.  But perhaps more valuable than the financial advantages is the satisfaction donors gain by helping to continue our mission of bringing the Sacred Feminine back into modern consciousness.  As with the Living Trust, all of these Trusts are revocable since they remain in your possession and under your control.

What are the different types of Trusts?

There are many types of Trusts that can benefit Temple of the Goddess by naming us as beneficiary.  One of the most common, the Living Trust, is discussed elsewhere.   Several more are mentioned below.

Charitable Remainder Unitrust

Create a hedge against inflation over the long term with a Charitable Remainder Unitrust.  You create a trust that pays a percentage of the trust’s assets, valued annually.  This becomes an immediate income tax deduction, an annual income for life that has potential to increase, and a continued income for Temple of the Goddess.

Charitable Lead Trust

This creates a trust which pays a fixed or variable income to Temple of the Goddess for a set term, after which it then passes to heirs.  This reduces gift and estate taxes on the assets passing to heirs.   The taxable estate is reduced, and keeps the property in the family, often with reduced gift taxes.

If your goal is to provide an inheritance for your children, but you would also like to make a significant charitable gift to Temple of the Goddess through your estate, a Charitable Lead Trust can help you satisfy both objectives.  A Charitable Lead Trust can provide a significant charitable gift through your estate and provide an inheritance to your children.

Charitable Remainder Trust

What are your plans for the future? While there is no single way to achieve all of your personal and financial goals, there is one strategy that can meet many of your needs. It's called a Charitable Remainder Trust.  In the right circumstances, this plan can increase your income, reduce your taxes, unlock appreciated investments, rid you of investment worries and ultimately provide very important support. 

Charitable Gift Annuities

An annuity is an investment product that pays on a scheduled basis over a set amount of time. In particular, a retirement investment that offers tax deferral on growth, but not on contributions.

Which Gift Matches Your Goals?

There is a gift for every objective.  Read and understand all of the above choices in gifting to Temple of the Goddess.  Discuss it with family, your lawyer, and financial advisors. More information needed?

Contact us at: DevelopmentOffice@TempleoftheGoddess.org

Note:  The information on this site is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. For such advice, please consult your legal, accounting, or other professional advisors to confirm the accuracy and applicability of information and current IRS regulations governing non-cash charitable contributions.