Outright & Deferred Gifts
Glossary
“Outright” and “deferred” are examples of organization-centric terms that often confuse donors who are simply trying to make a gift to charity. Over the years, the terms have crept out of the office and into publications and Web sites in an attempt to explain various types of gift vehicles. Compounding the problem is that the terms do not have clear definitions, and gift plans often do not fit neatly into either category.
Very broadly, an outright gift is a gift that you make today and that the charity uses today. This would normally include gifts to annual funds, endowments and immediate fundraising needs. It may also include gift pledges that you intend to pay off over several years.
Deferred gifts will generally be received and used by the charity at some point in the future. This might include gifts such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and life estates.
Basically, the terms help a charity understand which gifts will be received sooner and which are coming later, enabling the charity to plan its finances and programming more effectively. The terms have no legal definitions, nor do they imply any difference in how much a charity appreciates your gift.
This web page does not provide legal or financial advice, nor is it a comprehensive review of the topic. You should consult your legal and financial advisers and Clarkson University before making or planning your gift.
“Outright” and “deferred” are examples of organization-centric terms that often confuse donors who are simply trying to make a gift to charity. Over the years, the terms have crept out of the office and into publications and Web sites in an attempt to explain various types of gift vehicles. Compounding the problem is that the terms do not have clear definitions, and gift plans often do not fit neatly into either category.
Very broadly, an outright gift is a gift that you make today and that the charity uses today. This would normally include gifts to annual funds, endowments and immediate fundraising needs. It may also include gift pledges that you intend to pay off over several years.
Deferred gifts will generally be received and used by the charity at some point in the future. This might include gifts such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and life estates.
Basically, the terms help a charity understand which gifts will be received sooner and which are coming later, enabling the charity to plan its finances and programming more effectively. The terms have no legal definitions, nor do they imply any difference in how much a charity appreciates your gift.
This web page does not provide legal or financial advice, nor is it a comprehensive review of the topic. You should consult your legal and financial advisers and Clarkson University before making or planning your gift.