Your Giving

Gifts that pay you income: Charitable trusts & annuities

Our Philanthropic Services Group is pleased to provide you with a free, personalized analysis regarding charitable trust vehicles and other gift planning options. As these giving vehicles are complex and related to other estate planning, we encourage you to also work with your legal or financial advisor. If you have questions, please contact the Philanthropic Services Group at 303.300.1790.

Charitable Remainder Trusts
The Denver Foundation can administer charitable remainder unitrusts and annuity trusts, both of which pay lifetime income to you or other named beneficiaries.

Establishing a trust is complex and you establish a charitable trust with the assistance of your legal and financial advisors Cash or property is transferred to the trust. The income beneficiaries receive annually an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the trust's fair market value (unitrust) or a fixed dollar amount (annuity trust). Upon termination of the trust, the assets are transferred to your named charitable fund to support your charitable giving goals.

Charitable Lead Trusts
A charitable lead trust is a powerful way to fulfill multiple charitable interests and limit gift, capital gains, income, and estate taxes for heirs. During a specified time period or the lifetimes of the donors, a Lead Trust pays an annual fixed annuity to The Denver Foundation. After the designated period, the trust will terminate and transfer its remaining assets to the designated heirs, tax free. To read about how a Charitable Lead Trust has benefited one family, click here.

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity from The Denver Foundation is a way for you to receive a guaranteed income for life and an immediate income tax deduction, while at the same time, leaving a legacy to the charitable cause of your choice.

Through a charitable gift annuity, you receive a fixed stream of income for life. After paying the lifetime annuity to you and your spouse, the remaining principal is transferred to your named charitable fund to accomplish your specific charitable goals. Our payments to you are based on your age; the older you are, the higher the rate. If the annuity is for you and your spouse, the calculation is based on your joint ages. If you need the deduction now, you can use our deferred plan and receive the income tax deduction now, but begin receiving payments when you reach a specific age. An annuity can be an excellent complement to your existing retirement plan.