There are several kinds of gifts that not only support the Ohio Environmental Council's work, but also provide a lifetime income for you or a loved one-plus, they may reduce your taxes.

You may have heard of such life income gifts as charitable remainder trusts, or charitable lead trusts. The names may sound complex, but the gifts are worth exploring since they offer great financial benefits for many people. In fact, these types of gifts may actually increase your annual income. Charitable Lead Trust

When you want to give a gift to OEC now, while still providing for your loved ones later, consider establishing a Charitable Lead Trust. Generally, financial institutions will require an investment of $10,000 to establish a trust. You will name OEC as the beneficiary of the trust, and grant your heirs the remainder interest. As the beneficiary, OEC will receive the income, or interest, from your investment during your lifetime. The remainder, or principle, will be received by your heirs upon your passing.

A Charitable Lead Trust is a wise option because the donor does not pay capital gains tax on income generated through the trust investment because that income is intended for charity. You may also qualify for an income tax deduction for the value of the interest given to OEC over your lifetime. Trusts are a wonderful way to benefit OEC rather than the IRS, while still providing security for your family.

When you want to secure present income for yourself (and spouse), while still providing a gift to OEC, consider establishing a Charitable Remainder Trust. You will name yourself (and spouse) as the beneficiary of the trust, and grant OEC the remainder interest. As the beneficiary, you will receive the income, or interest, from your investment during your lifetime. The remainder, or principle, will be used to further OEC's mission upon the donor's passing.

A Charitable Remainder Trust offers unique tax benefits for the donor. If you fund a Charitable Remainder Trust with highly-appreciated assets you may avoid capital gains tax on the value of that appreciation because eventually that principle is given to charity. A Charitable Remainder Trust may also reduce a donor's estate tax when he/she passes away since the remainder of the trust is transferred to a charity. Trusts are a wonderful way to benefit OEC instead of the IRS, while still providing security for your family.

If you are considering a charitable trust, we welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and your legal or tax consultant to ensure that any decision is fully advised. Please contact Jodi Segal, Director of Development at jodi@theOEC.org or (614) 487-7506.