While most people think of cash gifts when they consider donations, there are a number of alternative ways to contribute to UNC-TV.

Bequests: You may want to consider leaving UNC-TV a bequest in your will. This may be a specific cash amount, securities, real estate, or other tangible property.

Gift of Life Insurance: A gift of life insurance can also be made to UNC-TV. You can make UNC-TV the beneficiary of an existing policy; take out a new policy with UNC-TV as the beneficiary; or use the life insurance in conjunction with a life income gift to "replace," for your heirs, an asset that you have given to UNC-TV.

Donation of Assets: Among the alternatives with income tax benefits to the donor are gifts in which a donation is made of assets that have appreciated over time. Examples include personal property such as stocks, bonds, art work, or real property. Beyond simplicity and tax deductibility, these gifts have the added advantage of an immediate and measurable impact for UNC-TV.

Charitable Lead Trusts: In some cases, however, simplicity may not be the best option. Your situation may require a plan, developed with the advice of your legal and financial advisors, which takes into account your family's long-term financial needs. One technique available is a charitable lead trust. In this scenario, a trust is established to hold the assets, and UNC-TV receives a percentage of the income for a period of time. At the agreed upon time, the assets can be transferred back to your children or to other beneficiaries. This would allow you to benefit UNC-TV while saving transfer taxes and preserving assets for your family's use.

Charitable Remainder Trusts: Your financial advisor may recommend a charitable remainder trust. There are two types, which have different advantages to consider. With charitable remainder unitrusts, a trust is established to hold assets. You, or the beneficiary of your choice, would receive a fixed percentage of income based on the value of the trust, which will vary over time. At the death of the income beneficiary, the remaining assets in the account are distributed to UNC-TV.

The second type of charitable remainder trust is the charitable remainder annuity trust. The annuity trust is similar to the unitrust, with one primary distinction: the amount paid to the income beneficiary is fixed at the creation of the trust and stays at the level for the duration of the trust. This alternative is attractive for donors interested in predictable monthly income.

You are encouraged to discuss these options with your financial and legal experts. For additional information, please contact the UNC-TV major gifts office at 919-549-7128.