Types of Planned Gifts

How Do Planned Gifts Work?

Planned gifts, also called legacy gifts or deferred gifts, come in all shapes and sizes.

Nonprofits can choose to offer simple planned giving vehicles (such as outright gifts… bequests, gifts of stock, etc.), to more structured giving vehicles that require an advisor or attorney (remainder unitrusts, lead trusts …). It is unnecessary for you to get into the details of these specific vehicles since the donors who would be using them normally rely on their own sources and advisors. Just know the basics. But if for some reason you do need details, visit our Planned Giving Wiki.

Below is a sampling of some of the most common gifting vehicles each with an Etch-a-Sketch type video for ease of learning.

After you review this page, take our Planned Giving I.Q.!

About this Page

The Etch a Sketch type videos on this page are developed for fundraisers to educate how planned gifts work. They are different than donor videos. The gifting vehicles (types of planned gifts) on this page are divided into three groups:

  • Outright Gifts (The “simple gifts” anyone can make)
  • Gifts that provide income
  • Gifts that protect assets

Each gifting vehicle includes:

  • Description
  • Donor Profile
  • Short Video

OUTRIGHT GIFTS

(The Simple Gifts “Anyone Can Make”)

BEQUESTS

APPRECIATED SECURITIES
LIFE INSURANCE
REAL ESTATE
PERSONAL PROPERTY
RETIREMENT PLAN
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (QCD)

LIFE INCOME GIFTS

(The “Gifts that Pay You Back”)

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY (CGA)
POOLED INCOME FUND
REMAINDER UNITRUST
REMAINDER ANNUITY TRUST

GIFTS THAT PROTECT ASSETS

(Complex Gifts)

LEAD TRUST
RETAINED LIFE ESTATE

BARGAIN SALE