I disagree with the author's statement that for lead unitrusts, the "percentage going to charity gobbles up and more and more money, leaving less for heirs." Annuity lead trusts could actually leave heirs less money as well if a high percentage payout is chosen. This all depends on investment performance and the payout rate chosen. Also, it's not true that the donor gets an income tax deduction for either trust; the donor gets a deduction only if it's a grantor lead trust.