A charitable trust is a type of planned gift.  There are two primary types of charitable trusts. The first type is called a charitable remainder trust.  It involves the donor placing assets in a charitable giving vehicle in exchange for a stream of income and a charitable tax deduction.  The trust may last for a period of years or for the lifespan of the donor(s).  Once the charitable remainder trust concludes, its remaining assets are available for the charitable beneficiary. The second type is a charitable lead trust.  In some ways, it is a mirror image of a charitable remainder trust.  A charitable lead trust involves the donor placing assets that will support an income stream to a charity.  An income tax deduction (or an estate tax deduction if the trust is a testamentary trust) is also generated through a charitable lead trust.  Once the charitable lead trust concludes, its remaining assets are returned to a non-charitable beneficiary.