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Pooled Income Funds

Investment Information & Choices

The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust® ("USCGT") is an IRS-approved, tax-qualified public charity. Its Pooled Income Funds are investments designed to provide the donor and/or designated income beneficiary(ies) with a lifetime of income and, later, the ability to establish a tradition of charitable giving.

The charitable contributions accepted by a Pooled Income Fund are irrevocable. Account values and income distributions will fluctuate. The Funds are not guaranteed or insured by any governmental body. Potential donors should consult their tax advisors. The Funds are not available in Puerto Rico.

The Pooled Income Funds are a charitable vehicle, and are not designed to compete with investments made solely for private gain. The desire to benefit USCGT and eligible charities should be a significant part of the decision to contribute.

Income is generated by the donor's choice of diversified investment portfolios, composed of professionally managed portfolios registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

When gifting to the Pooled Income Funds, the donor is eligible for an immediate income tax deduction. Also, capital gains will be avoided when contributing appreciated securities.

After the death of the last income beneficiary, USCGT receives the principal to establish a tradition of giving. Grants are made to organizations the donor previously designated or future grants can be recommended by account successor(s).

All information herein is qualified by the of the Trust, which contains more details (including annual fees).

How the Pooled Income Funds Work

  • When you contribute to a Fund, you are eligible for an immediate income tax deduction. Your taxable estate will also be reduced.
  • Your contributions are invested in your choice of three styles of diversified investment pools, which are designed to generate a monthly income payable to you and/or a loved one.
  • Upon the death of the last income beneficiary, the remaining principal is available for gifting based on your wishes, or future growth can be recommended by account successor(s).

You are encouraged to consult with your tax advisor or accountant prior to finalizing the Donor Information Form. Tax benefits depend upon your individual circumstances. Selection of certain income beneficiaries may create gift tax liability.

Who's Eligible to Donate?

  • Each Pooled Income Fund will accept contributions from individuals, trusts, estates, and others. However, the income interest must be created for the life or lives of natural persons.

Who's Eligible to Receive Income?

  • Interest and /or dividend income, which is subject to income tax, can be paid only to individuals.

Acceptable Contributions

  • Cash.
  • Long-term securities (stocks, bonds, certain restricted securities, and privately held stock).
  • A minimum initial donation of $20,000 is required, after which subsequent minimum donations of $5,000 may be made.

A Choice of Three Investment Options

  • Three styles of Pooled Income Funds are available. All assets are invested in established professionally managed portfolios, registered with the Securities Exchange Commission.
  • Donors may select one or a combination of the following three Funds. A minimum initial donation of $20,000 per Fund is required. No transfers among Funds are permitted.

Funds' Portfolio Composition

High Yield Pool

The High Yield Pool seeks to maximize current income by investing primarily in high-yielding obligations rated below investment grade. The pool's principal value (and corresponding income payments) may decline over extended periods of time.

Designed for individuals seeking high income who are comfortable with the above-average risk and volatility associated with lower-quality debt investments. Eaton Vance's:

  • Floating Rate Portfolio
  • Global Macro Portfolio
  • High Income Portfolio

Current Income Pool

The Current Income Pool seeks current income from a variety of debt instruments and other income-producing securities, the majority of which will be rated investment grade by established rating agencies. The pool's principal value will fluctuate.

Please note that Pooled Income Funds don't reinvest income.

Designed for individuals who are uncomfortable with the volatility of lower-quality debt investments and who can accept a more modest rate of income. Eaton Vance's:

  • Dividend Income Portfolio
  • Floating Rate Portfolio
  • Global Macro Portfolio
  • Government Obligations Portfolio
  • High Income Portfolio
  • Investment Grade Income Portfolio

Growth & Income Pool

The Growth & Income  Pool seeks total return by investing primarily in income-producing equity securities and investment-grade debt obligations. They seek to realize both capital appreciation and current income.

Designed for younger individual donors with a longer life expectancy for whom potential growth of principal (and income) is primary and current yield is secondary. Eaton Vance's:

  • Dividend Income Portfolio
  • Floating Rate Portfolio
  • Global Macro Portfolio
  • High Income Portfolio
  • International Equity Portfolio
  • Investment Grade Income Portfolio
  • Large-Cap Growth Portfolio
  • Large-Cap Value Portfolio
  • Multi-Cap Growth Portfolio
  • Small-Cap Growth Portfolio  

Investment Advisor

Eaton Vance Management and its affiliates have provided professional investment management services since 1924. Eaton Vance is a recognized leader in tax-sensitive investment strategies. The company sells its products exclusively through financial advisors.

Income Payments for Life

  • You and/or your designated income beneficiary(ies) will receive a monthly income distribution.
  • Payments will continue until the death of the last income beneficiary. At that time, the remaining balance will transfer to USCGT for charitable grants or other charitable purposes.
  • Income is variable and will depend on investment performance. Monthly income distributions are not fixed.
  • Income can be electronically transferred to a checking/money market account as instructed in the Distribution Instructions for ACH Application Form.

Donor Communication

  • All contributions, grants, and transfers have written acknowledgement mailed within five business days of processing.
  • Contribution acknowledgements serve as your tax receipts.
  • Statements are issued quarterly, reporting earnings and the account balance for the period.
  • Internet account access is available through My Charitable Fund .

Pooled Income Funds vs. Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

Pooled Income Funds may offer more advantages than CRTs and are far easier, as well as less expensive, to establish and maintain.

 

 Pooled Income Funds

 Charitable Remainder Trusts

 Start-up fees

 No

 Yes

 Attorney needed to draft documentation

 No

 Yes

 Lifetime income potential

 Yes

 Yes

 Family tradition of giving

 Yes

 No

 Investment management
provided by
Eaton Vance or its Affiliates

 Yes

 Optional

 Capital gain tax savings

 Yes

 Yes

 Ability to fix income payout

 No

 Yes

 Reduction in taxable estate

 Yes

 Yes

Enjoy Low Costs and Virtually No Paperwork

  • A Pooled Income Fund costs almost nothing to establish and no additional out-of-pocket expenses are required for account maintenance. There are no additional legal or transaction fees.
  • The Funds' Trustee handles all of the record keeping and sends contribution confirmations that include the Trustee's calculation of the associated income tax deduction. Annually, you receive a Substitute Form K-1.

The Pooled Income Funds are a charitable vehicle, and are not designed to compete with investments made solely for private gain. The desire to benefit USCGT and eligible charities should be a significant part of the decision to contribute.

My Charitable Fund

My Charitable Fund, an online service that gives clients and financial professionals access to their charitable giving accounts, is a product of Wilmington Trust Retirement and Institutional Services, who acts as the Trustees for the Donor Advised and Pooled Income Funds.

Financial Professionals

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