FAQ: How to donate retirement assets to make an immediate impact

Giving tips for your required minimum distribution

With a qualified charitable distribution, you can transfer assets directly to Duke in an easy, tax-efficient way to fulfill your philanthropic goals.

What is a qualified charitable distribution?

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) or charitable IRA rollover allows individuals to transfer up to $100,000 a year directly from an IRA to Duke. You can also use these gifts to satisfy multi-year pledges and create or add to endowments.

What are the tax advantages?

The amount you choose to transfer will not be included in your taxable income—as long as it is transferred directly from your IRA administrator to Duke—and will count toward your minimum distribution. Keep in mind, however, that this type of gift does not entitle you to a charitable income tax deduction.

This might be the right type of gift for you if:

  • You want to make an outright gift that will have an immediate impact at Duke;
  • You do not currently need the additional income from your required minimum distribution;
  • You have already maxed out your charitable deductions for the year; this type of gift operates separately from the tax rules that limit the benefit of individual charitable giving.

How do I make my gift?

Please be sure to consult with your financial advisor to make sure a qualified charitable distribution is a good fit for you. Then, contact your IRA plan administrator and request that a distribution be made directly to your favorite charity, like Duke! Download our Qualified Charitable Distribution guide for specific information about QCD gifts to Duke.


This information is provided with the understanding that neither Duke University nor the authors are providing legal, accounting, or other professional advice or counsel. Please consult your personal counsel about the financial, tax, and legal implications of any gift.

TAGS: Charitable Giving Strategies qualified charitable distribution Charitable gifts of IRA assets Charitable giving charitable IRA rollovers

About the author

Suzie Ferrero

suzie.ferrero@duke.edu

Suzie serves as the Senior Executive Director of Gift Planning for Duke Health. Suzie provides consultation and gift strategy for planned gifts and complex gifts throughout the Duke Health enterprise. She advises supporters and their advisors on planned giving techniques that accomplish personal charitable objectives, along with Duke Health’s projects and priorities. As a newer resident of Durham, when she is not at working, Suzie loves exploring the Durham area with her miniature dachshund, Harper.