Bequests, Donations, & Aging in Place
Building a Legacy
Many artists and arts supporters want to ensure that the homes they have lived in, created in, and cared for can continue to serve artists long into the future.
Artist Space Trust offers ways to bring homes into the Artist Housing Commons — a shared system of housing held outside the for-profit real estate market and stewarded for generations of artists across the Bay Area.
You do not need to be wealthy to leave a meaningful legacy. You simply need a desire to support artists beyond your own lifetime.
Photo: Amy Trachtenberg at work in her studio by Jeffrey Miller
What It Means to Leave a Home
to the Artist Housing Commons
When a home is donated or bequeathed to Artist Space Trust:
The property becomes part of The Commons
It is stewarded to remain affordable and artist-centered over time
It continues to provide stability for future generations of artists
This allows a single home to support multiple artist households across decades — creating lasting impact well beyond any one moment.
Three Ways to Build a Legacy:
Bequests, Property Donations, and Aging in Place
There are several ways to bring a home into The Commons, depending on your situation and goals.
1. Bequests (Leaving a Home Through a Will or Trust)
A bequest allows you to leave your home to Artist Space Trust as part of your estate plan.
This means:
You continue to live in and control your home during your lifetime
AST receives the property after your passing
The home enters the Artist Housing Commons for long-term stewardship
Bequests can also help simplify probate and ensure that your wishes for the property are clearly documented.
2. Property Donation During Your Lifetime
Some property owners choose to donate their home to AST during their lifetime.
Depending on the arrangement, this may:
Provide tax benefits, such as charitable deductions
Reduce long-term property management burdens
Allow you to see your home become part of The AST Commons while you’re alive
Each situation is different, and AST can help explore whether this option makes sense for you.
3. Aging in Place
For elder homeowners, Artist Space Trust can sometimes support Aging in Place arrangements.
In these cases:
The home is sold to Artist Space Trust and enters the Artist Housing Commons
The sale provides an infusion of funds that can help support the homeowner’s needs
The homeowner continues to live in the home for as long as they wish or are able
This approach allows elder artists and community members to remain rooted in their homes while ensuring that the property will serve artists in the future.
Aging in Place arrangements are customized and depend on the property, available funding, and mutual agreement. AST works closely with homeowners to explore whether this option is a good fit and to ensure that arrangements are clear, respectful, and aligned with everyone’s needs.
Financial and Legal Considerations
Leaving or donating a home can have important tax and estate planning implications.
While AST can provide information and walk you through options:
We do not provide legal or tax advice
You will need to work with an estate attorney or tax professional
Updating a will or trust is typically required for bequests
Many donors find that charitable giving through property:
Can offer tax advantages during life or at death
Helps reduce probate complexity
Aligns personal assets with long-held values
AST can help you ask the right questions as you explore these options.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Considering a property gift is a personal decision. There is no pressure, timeline, or obligation.
Artist Space Trust is here to:
Share information
Answer questions
Explore options at your pace
Help you understand how your home could serve artists in the future
Even an initial conversation can help clarify what might be possible.
Photo credit: Flee Kieselhorst
Start a Conversation
If you’re interested in learning more about bequests, property donations, or Aging in Place, we invite you to reach out.