Legal term
Charitable trust
Answer: Charitable trust. It is a trust for public‑benefit purposes that may lack definite beneficiaries; enforcement typically lies with the state attorney general. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/charitable_trust)) Such trusts can be perpetual and are generally outside the Rule Against Perpetuities. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/107/163)) If the stated purpose later becomes impossible to fulfill, courts may apply cy pres to redirect the trust near the settlor’s intent. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/cy_pres_charitable_trusts))
Rule to remember
A charitable trust is a trust created for legally recognized public‑benefit purposes. It may lack definite beneficiaries because the state attorney general enforces it, and it is generally exempt from the Rule Against Perpetuities; cy pres allows modification when the specified purpose later becomes impossible to fulfill. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/charitable_trust))
Key elements and checks
- Purpose benefits the public or a segment of the public, as recognized by law. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/charitable_trust))
- No definite, ascertainable beneficiaries are required; enforcement is by a public officer (usually the attorney general). ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/charitable_trust))
- May be perpetual; generally not subject to the Rule Against Perpetuities. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/107/163))
- Cy pres: if the stated purpose becomes impossible to fulfill, a court may redirect the trust to a near purpose consistent with donor intent. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/cy_pres_charitable_trusts))
- Private individuals ordinarily lack standing to enforce; public enforcement protects community interests. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/charitable_trust))
- Contrast with private trusts, which require definite beneficiaries who can enforce trustee duties.
In the source’s words
“They do not have to have definite beneficiaries because the party who enforces the trust is the attorney general.”
charitable trust | Wex | Legal Information Institute
“They may, and indeed must, be for the benefit of an indefinite number of persons;”
Russell v. Allen, 107 U.S. 163 (1883) | LII
State law varies. The Supreme Court recognized that some states have historically restricted these uses “by statute or judicial decision,” while others uphold them more broadly; modern statutes commonly authorize them and codify cy pres. Always check the relevant state’s trust code and case law. ([law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/107/163))