A gift through a will or trust is simple and allows you to leave a legacy with no immediate financial impact to your assets. Gifting through a will or trust enables you to take care of your family members while reducing future estate taxes for your heirs. All assets remain in your control during your lifetime. You may offer a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of assets, or opt to bequeath a remaining portion of your estate after all other distributions have been made. Gifts may be unrestricted or designated for a specific purpose.

Resource: Wording for Diocese Bequest Wills

Irrevocable contributions of cash or property may be made to a Charitable Remainder Trust. The chosen trustee pays income from the trust to the designated beneficiaries for life or for a set term of years. The trust payments may either be a fixed amount or a percentage of the trust’s principal. There is an immediate tax deduction for a portion of the contribution. The principal is distributed to the named charity upon the death of the last beneficiary or at the end of the term of the trust.