As an alternative to charitable trusts, a donor can address charitable gifts in a revocable living trust (RLT). Sometimes referred to as family trusts, RLTs are created during the donor’s lifetime and may be amended or revoked by the donor. With assistance from an estate planning attorney, the donor can address charitable gifts in the RLT to direct the trustee to distribute specified assets to one or more charities. The value of the assets donated to charity are generally deductible for estate tax purposes, although a financial adviser should also be consulted.