Make a Tax-Smart Gift From Your IRA

Did you know there’s a simple way to reduce your taxable income while making a meaningful impact on the Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore? If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)—a direct gift from your IRA—of up to $108,000 per year to support the Friends and the vital work we fund across the Seashore.

Your contribution goes straight to work protecting trails, restoring habitats, supporting education, and enhancing visitor experiences—allowing you to see the difference you make today.

What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?

A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian to a qualified nonprofit organization like the Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore. When made correctly, a QCD can satisfy part or all of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year.

QCDs offer unique tax advantages:

  • The amount you donate is excluded from your taxable income, unlike a typical IRA withdrawal.

  • Lower taxable income may help you maintain eligibility for certain tax credits or deductions.

  • You can benefit from a QCD even if you take the standard deduction, making it an option for donors who no longer itemize under recent tax law changes.

QCD Eligibility & Requirements

To make a Qualified Charitable Distribution:

  • You must be 70½ or older.

  • You may give up to $108,000 annually. (If you file jointly, your spouse can also give up to $108,000 from their IRA.)

  • Funds must be withdrawn by December 31 to count toward your current year’s RMD.

  • Donors may not receive goods or services in exchange for their gift, and written acknowledgement from the charity is required.

How to Make a QCD to the Friends

1.     Contact your IRA custodian and request a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore for the amount you wish to give.

2.     Your custodian will send the gift directly to us.

3.     We will notify you once your contribution has been received and processed.

Your administrator may request this information.
Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore
99 Marconi Site Road
Wellfleet, MA 02667

Tax EIN: 04-2951792

We’re here to help you navigate the process. Please email julia.bateman@fccns.org for assistance or additional information.

By choosing to make a QCD, you not only support the preservation and protection of the Cape Cod National Seashore, you also make a smart, tax-efficient decision for your financial well-being. Thank you for considering this lasting and meaningful way to give.

 

Julia Bateman