What kind of assets can be used to make a planned gift?
Cash, securities, real property, and retirement plans are examples of assets that can be used to fund planned gifts to Purdue University.

How safe are charitable gift annuities?
Gift annuity payments are a general obligation of, and secured by, the Purdue Research Foundation.

Who can receive payments from a charitable gift annuity?
The donor, his or her spouse, a family member or any person the donor wishes to list as an annuitant. The maximum number of annuitants allowed is two.

Can I establish a charitable gift annuity and delay the start of the income until I will more likely need it, such as at my retirement?
Yes, this is called a deferred gift annuity. The donor receives a charitable deduction in the year the annuity is established, and since the annuity payments are tax-deferred for a period of time, the ultimate income increases the longer you wait to start receiving your payments.

What does the term "trust" mean?
A trust is a legal instrument for which a trustee is named to hold and manage the assets for you.

What is the difference between a charitable remainder trust and a revocable living trust?
A charitable remainder trust is irrevocable and cannot be changed once it is created. That is why you receive a favorable income tax deduction when you establish a charitable remainder trust. A revocable living trust can be altered during your lifetime.

Can I change my mind in regard to a bequest?
Yes. A charitable bequest made in your will or living trust is revocable during your lifetime.

Do I have to tell the University if I have included it in my will?
We encourage you to do so and will work with you to ensure that your gift intention is fulfilled. Also, your bequest will qualify you for the R. B. Stewart Society and will count toward The Campaign for Purdue.

What is the difference between a charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT) and a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT)?
The major difference is in the valuation of the trust assets, which partly determines the amount of income received by the income beneficiary(ies). The CRAT assets are valued at the time they are placed into the trust and are never revalued thereafter. Annual payments to the income beneficiary(ies) remain the same, regardless of whether the trust assets appreciate or depreciate in value.

CRUT assets are revalued annually. If the trust assets appreciate, the payment to the income beneficiary(ies) will increase. If the trust assets depreciate, the payment to the income beneficiary(ies) will decrease.

How can I use my life insurance policy to benefit Purdue University?
This is an avenue of giving that is often overlooked. You can name one ore more charities as the primary or secondary beneficiary of your policy. Or, if you no longer need the policy, you can transfer ownership of the policy to a charity and thereby reduce your estate by the face amount of the proceeds. In this case, you may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the basis of the policy and for any future premiums you continue to gift to the charity.