What is a qualified charitable distribution (QCD)?

A QCD, also known as a charitable IRA rollover, is a special provision allowing particular donors of age 70.5 to exclude from taxable income—and count toward their required minimum distribution—certain transfers of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) assets that are made directly to their favorite 501(C)(3).  Because the gift goes directly to the charity without passing through your hands, the dollar amount of the gift may be excluded from your taxable income up to a maximum of $105,000  in 2024, with some exceptions.  As every financial situation is different, we recommend seeking advice from a financial advisor or professional about the implications of your gift.  To learn more about QCDs, please visit IRS.gov.

Who can make a qualified charitable distribution?

QCDs can be made by IRA owners who are age 70.5 or older. Many individuals who are required to take money from their IRA but do not need it for living expenses have chosen to make QCDs from their IRAs to support organizations like Democracy Forward Foundation.  If this sounds like something right for you, learn more about eligibility at IRS.gov.

How do I make a QCD to Democracy Forward Foundation?

Your QCD must be made directly from your IRA custodian to Democracy Forward Foundation on your behalf.  QCD checks aren’t technically considered distributions until they are received and cashed by the charity. Therefore, we recommend writing all checks by the end of November to ensure they are cashed before year-end.

Making a QCD is more straightforward than you might think.  Contact your IRA’s custodian (where your IRA is held) to let them know you are interested in making a QCD, or look for a QCD form on your IRA custodian’s website. Usually, you can make the request in writing, over the phone, or through an online form provided by your IRA custodian. They will also ask for information about Democracy Forward Foundation, which can be found below. 

Legal Name: Democracy Forward Foundation
Tax ID Number: 82-1007988
Address:  Please contact koconnell@democracyforward.org
Email:  koconnell@democracyforward.org
Phone:  202-991-0159

Please help us credit your gift and thank you by having your IRA administrator include your full name and mailing address on the gift. Also, have your administrator note that the transfer is an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution.