A charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) is a trust that pays you and/or other designated recipients an income for life or for a specified number of years. After that time, the balance of the trust is applied to the purpose you have designated at Duke. You can establish a CRUT during your life or through your estate.

A CRUT income is based on a percentage of the value of the trust assets as determined annually. Because unitrust payments fluctuate with the market, this form of life income gift may provide a hedge against inflation. Unitrusts offer many opportunities to address specific financial goals and situations, and Duke’s Office of Gift Planning can help you and your financial advisors explore options.

Benefits of a CRUT

  • Receive an income for you and your loved ones.
  • Establish a gift with as little as $100,000.
  • Enjoy charitable deductions and other tax-saving opportunities.
  • Have assets managed by Duke, you, or a trusted advisor.
  • Support the area of Duke most meaningful to you.
  1. You make a gift to your CRUT.
  2. Immediate charitable deduction and a variable annual payout for life or for a specified number of years.
  3. At the end of the term, the remainder goes to the area of Duke most important to you.

CRUT Examples

Contact Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning for a personalized illustration of the tax deductions and payout rate combinations available for you, based on your age and anticipated gift. If you would like to explore a gift that provides a fixed-dollar payment that will not fluctuate with the financial markets, a charitable gift annuity may be a more appealing alternative.


Unwrapping Gifts: Charitable Remainder Unitrusts

Learn how you can generate an income and make the most of your charitable contribution through a charitable remainder unitrust for Duke University. Your gift can support Duke Athletics or other Duke programs that are meaningful to you. Phil Buchanan, former senior philanthropic counselor at Duke University, describes how these gifts can work for you.