A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between the donor(s) and the Texas State University Development Foundation. With a minimum gift of $10,000, beginning at age 60 or later, the Foundation will make fixed payments to one or two annuitants. The size of the annuity payment will vary depending on the size of the gift and age of the annuitant(s). Once the beneficiaries of the annuity are no longer living, your gift will be used by Texas State to support programs or endowments your choosing.

A charitable remainder trust is similar to other types of trusts except that the amount distributed at its termination (the remainder) is paid to a charity. A donor transfers property irrevocably to a trust and specifies the amount of payments to be distributed, the duration of payments (a period of years or the beneficiary's lifetime), and the charity or charities that will receive the remainder. The charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) provides for payment to the beneficiary that is based on a percentage of the net fair-market value for the trust assets valued annually. Whereas the unitrust provides for a payout that may vary, the charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT) provides for a fixed payout. This amount must equal no less than 5% of the initial, fair market value of the gift in trust. Another difference is that an annuity trust does not permit additional contributions.

            Income generated from assets placed in a charitable lead trust is paid to Texas State for a period of years, after which the assets are distributed to your designated beneficiary or beneficiaries. A lead trust may be particularly beneficial in transferring assets to your heirs with favorable estate tax consequences.