Gifts of Heritage

What is a gift of heritage?

A gift of heritage is a historically or architecturally significant property donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation so that it may be preserved for future generations in private ownership. Properties donated to the National Trust are carefully evaluated to determine their historic or architectural features that require preservation. A preservation and conservation easement protecting the property is established and described to potential buyers. A portion of the sale proceeds is placed in an endowment fund for the National Trust to regularly monitor the easement.

What is a preservation and conservation easement?

Preservation and conservation easements are permanent legal rights that protect against undesirable demolition, development or alteration. Once imposed, a preservation easement attaches permanently to the property's deed, in effect protecting the site in perpetuity. Click here for more information.

How does my property qualify for a Gift of Heritage?

There are three general eligibility requirements. The property must

  • Be at least 50 years old
  • Be unencumbered (that is free of liens and mortgages)
  • Have an appraised value of at least $100,000.

Each property is assessed by National Trust staff on a case by case basis to determine if the property is appropriate for the Gifts of Heritage Program.

How can I donate a Gift of Heritage?

Once the decision is made to donate a property to the National Trust, you should consider the type of gift that best accommodates your entire estate plan. You may deed a gift of real estate to the National Trust in the following four ways, all of which remove the value of the property from your estate for estate tax purposes:

  • An outright gift through a signed deed of gift
  • A deed of gift, with the right to live in the property for the rest of your lives. You remain responsible for the maintenance, taxes, insurance and general repairs during this time
  • An asset to fund a charitable remainder trust. Once the easement is placed on the property and it is sold, the funds are put into a trust to generate a fixed payment or income to you for your lifetime
  • A donation in your will (sample bequest language available).

What are the financial benefits of donating my property?

The following are some of the financial benefits associated with a Gifts of Heritage Program donation:

  • Avoiding capital gains tax on the property's appreciated value
  • Receiving a charitable tax deduction from federal income taxes
  • Removing this asset from one's estate.

How does my donation help the National Trust for Historic Preservation?

A portion of the proceeds from the sale are placed in an endowment for National Trust staff to monitor the easement on a regular basis. Other proceeds contribute to the upkeep of National Trust historic sites.

Powered by Convio