Gift Planning

It was not a hard decision to leave a gift to KET in my will when you consider the inheritance tax benefits. More importantly, it was wonderful to be able to support organizations I care about even after I die.

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Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Susan Goldstein

While most people think of cash gifts for annual activities when they consider making a donation, there are a variety of other ways to contribute to KET. Planned giving options help you reach your personal financial and estate planning goals while supporting an organization you believe in.

Bequests

You may want to consider leaving KET a bequest in your will. The bequest may be a specific cash amount or a gift of securities, real estate, or other tangible property. KET’s fund-raising policy stipulates that all such gifts will be put into an endowment.

Gift of Life Insurance

You may make KET the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy, take out a new policy with KET as the beneficiary, or use life insurance in conjunction with a life income gift to “replace” an asset you have bequeathed to KET for your heirs. KET’s fund-raising policy stipulates that all such gifts will be put into an endowment.

Donation of Assets

Among the donation alternatives that offer income tax benefits to the donor are gifts of assets that have appreciated over time. Examples include personal property such as stocks, bonds, art works, or real property. KET’s fund-raising policy stipulates that all such gifts will be put into an endowment.

Charitable Lead Trusts

In some cases, simplicity may not be the best option. Your situation may require a plan, developed with the advice of your legal and financial advisers, that takes your family’s long-term financial needs into account. One technique available is a charitable lead trust. In this scenario, a trust is established to hold the assets, and KET receives a percentage of the income for a period of time. At the agreed-upon time, the assets are transferred back to your children or other beneficiaries. This arrangement allows you to benefit KET while saving transfer taxes and preserving assets for your family’s use.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Your financial adviser may recommend a charitable remainder trust. Two types are available, with different advantages:

  • In a charitable remainder unitrust, a trust is established to hold assets. The donor—or the beneficiary of the donor’s choice—receives a fixed percentage of income based on the value of the trust, which will vary over time. At the death of the income beneficiary, the remaining assets in the account are distributed to KET’s endowment.
  • The charitable remainder annuity trust is similar to the unitrust, but with one primary distinction: The amount paid to the income beneficiary is fixed at the creation of the trust and stays at that level for the duration of the trust. This alternative is attractive for donors interested in a predictable monthly income.

We encourage you to discuss these options with your financial and legal experts. For additional information, including the benefits offered by KET to donors who make planned gifts, please contact the KET gift planning officer at (859) 258-7206 or (800) 866-0366.