What’s the Catch?

Gifts that Pay Income

If you’ve heard about life income gifts (such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts), you’ve probably asked the obvious question.

“What’s the catch?”

Here’s the crazy part: there is none!

Life income gifts are a smart, no-catch solution for those who wish they could give more but are concerned about having enough income for life. You make a gift to your favorite ministry and receive steady income payments for life.

A life income gift can be established by giving cash, or you can give non-cash assets that you no longer need or care to manage (such as rental property or a vacation home).

You can even withdraw up to $55,000* from an IRA for a one-time transfer to a life income gift.

Depending on your funding method, you may receive an immediate tax deduction at the time of your gift, followed by a lifetime of payments for you or a loved one.

The remainder of your gift will further the causes that matter most to you.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. Life income gifts are a solid, tax-wise solution for greater Kingdom impact.

Learn more by emailing info@BarnabasFoundation.org or call 888.448.3040.

As of January 2026. Indexed for inflation annually.

—

This content is written as part of Generosity Today (2026, Issue 3).