Charitable Lead Trusts (CLT) were popularized by the estate plans of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but they have been in existence for some time. They are an effective way to transfer assets to your heirs while minimizing gift and estate taxes and providing an annual income to Carnegie Mellon for a fixed term of years. Charitable Lead Trusts are a very specific gift that will be effective only for some donors. In general, they are most effective for individuals with a high net worth. You may establish a CLT at Carnegie Mellon by funding a trust with initial funding assets of no less than $250,000. Carnegie Mellon, as trustee, will invest and manage your CLT free of charge.

How Lead Trusts Work

Depending upon the kind of trust you establish, Carnegie Mellon receives either a fixed or variable income stream for a period of no more than twenty (20) years. You are free to designate the use to which the university will put this income when you establish the trust. When the term of years ends, the assets are transferred to your heirs.

Ways You Save with Charitable Lead Trusts: