James Assad was retired and in his late seventies. The stocks he owned had high market values, but they paid limited dividends. In addition to increasing his personal income, James was interested in giving to the community in which he had lived his entire life, so he decided to transfer the securities to a Charitable Remainder Trust that eventually would create a fund with his local community foundation.

“The income I received from the trust is more than what I was collecting in annual dividends—by thousands of dollars. If I would have sold the stocks, I’d have paid a fortune in capital gains tax,” says James. James also receives an immediate charitable tax deduction and pays less tax on trust distributions. “Plus,” he says, “I know that when I pass, I’ve done something good.” In time, James’ gift will create the Assad Family Unrestricted Fund to address ever-changing community needs.