An irrevocable trust in which property,
investments, or money is donated to a charity, but the grantor, or donor,
continues to use the property or receive income from the investments or money
while still alive. Upon the death of the donor, the charity receives
the balance of the trust. The trust is tax-
efficient because the grantor avoids paying capital gains tax on the assets in
the trust and can deduct the earnings of the trust. The trust also removes the
assets from the grantor’s estate, which reduces the amount of estate taxes that
will be due after death. Often a charitable remainder trust is created by
someone who doesn’t have any family members or children that he or she needs to
support. See also
charitable lead trust.