Planned Gifts
Charitable Remainder Trust Benefits
- You qualify for an immediate charitable income tax deduction, and you may take unused deductions for a period of five years.
- If you fund the CRT with appreciate securities, you may reduce capital gains tax.
- Your estate may enjoy reduced probate costs and estate taxes.
- Your gift will benefit from expert asset management, provided by the same professionals who manage SOU Foundation’s endowment.
- You will become a member of the Julius Churchill Society, named in honor of the university’s first president. Donors in this special group receive exclusive invitations to events and other activities.
- You will create a legacy at Southern Oregon University.
Charitable Remainder Trust Overview
A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is a gift plan that allows you to provide payments to yourself or others while making a generous gift to benefit Southern Oregon University. Defined by federal tax law, the payments may continue for the lifetimes of the beneficiaries you name, a fixed term of not more than 20 years, or a combination of the two.
You irrevocably transfer assets, usually cash, securities, or real estate, to an agreed upon trustee who invests the assets. Each year, the trustee distributes payments. There are two ways to receive payments, each with their own benefits.
• Annuity trust-pays you each year a dollar value you choose at the beginning. Payments remain the same despite fluctuations in trust investment returns.
• Unitrust-pays you each year a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. Payments are recalculated annually.
When the CRT’s term ends, remaining assets are transferred to the Southern Oregon University Foundation to benefit SOU. The minimum amount to establish a CRT is $100,000, typically for ages 65 and up, with a payout rate of 5%.
Learn More About Charitable Remainder Trusts
We’d love to hear from you! Please contact the Office of Development to discuss further your charitable intent. We can provide a personalized document to share with your attorney or tax adviser. Communication with the staff is always confidential and never infers an obligation.
If you have already made a planned gift to SOU, we’d like to thank you and ensure that your gift reflects your charitable intention.
Cristina Sanz
Director of Development
Phone: 541.552.6422
Email: sanzm@sou.edu