Charitable remainder unitrusts are gift arrangements that enable you to contribute to NDSU while providing an income for yourself and/or another beneficiary for life or a term of years. This individually managed trust may be tailored to suit your objectives. You may build a retirement account, generate a higher income from assets you currently own, or provide for your spouse, family members, or other beneficiaries.

The unitrust pays you a variable income, based on a fixed percentage of the trust assets as revalued once each year. Typically, the fixed percentage is between 5 percent and 8 percent. One of the advantages of the unitrust is that your income from the trust may increase as the trust principal grows over time.

When you establish a unitrust you can receive an immediate federal income tax deduction for a portion of your gift. Cash gifts may be deducted up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income; gifts of appreciated property may be deducted up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. Any excess deduction may be carried forward for up to five additional years if necessary. With a gift of appreciated property, you can avoid the 20 percent to 28 percent capital gains tax. You also may realize significant estate tax savings.

A Foundation managed unitrust can be established with an irrevocable gift valued at $50,000 or more. A variety of assets may be donated to a trust--cash, publicly traded stocks and bonds, closely held stock, real estate and, in some instances, tangible personal property such as works of art. Income beneficiaries must be at least 50 years old. Your trust can be invested and administered by NDSU Development Foundation at no cost to you. You may designate the future use of your gift at NDSU.

You can write to us at:

NDSU Development Foundation
PO Box 5144
Fargo, ND 58105