If you are 70½ or older and have an IRA, you are already qualified!
How a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Works
You are at least 70½ years old with IRA funds you no longer need
Make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA
Your QCD goes directly to charity, supporting a cause you care about
*If you are 73 years old or older, your QCD can count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD)!
Did You Know?
You can also support our mission for years to come. Simply name Rails to Trails Conservancy as a beneficiary of your IRA account, and the remaining assets (or a portion) of the account will be distributed to help us build a nation connected by trails.
Sample Beneficiary Designation
Legal name: Rails to Trails Conservancy
Address: 2445 M Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20037
Federal Tax ID number: 52-1437006
Discover the Benefits of a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Reduce Your Taxable Income
When you take funds from your IRA, they count as taxable income. But if you transfer them directly to RTC, you reduce your taxable income while satisfying your RMD.
Fulfill Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
After you turn 73, you must distribute funds from your IRA. If you do not distribute the required minimum, you may be penalized, but a QCD allows a transfer up to $111,000 per individual or $222,000 per couple to satisfy your RMD.
Connect the Nation
When you make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to RTC, you will help us defend vital trail programs and expand trail networks across the nation for future generations.
We who have been fortunate enough to accumulate experiences and resources in our past need to pay it forward, so trails are available to all. After years of husbanding time and living simply, I now share with Rails to Trails Conservancy not just through membership but also through “qualified charitable distributions” (QCDs)—payments directly from my IRA to RTC, without taxes needing to be paid. More dollars, for more trails, for more people, for more experiences.
—Charlie F. from Arlington, VA
Find Out if a Qualified Charitable Distribution is Right For You
| I was born before . | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| I have a qualified IRA. | Yes | No |
| I want to make a difference today. | Yes | No |
You’re qualified to make this type of gift!
It looks like there are still some requirements that need to be met!
Take Your Next Steps
Step 1
Get started by selecting your IRA custodian and filling out your information below.
This information will be used to pre-fill your distribution form.
STEP 2
Once you have downloaded and completed the rest of your form, please mail the form with the letter below to your IRA custodian. We recommend mailing this by December 1 to ensure you receive your tax deduction for this year.
STEP 3
Please let us know about your generous gift!
We’d like to thank you and ensure your gift goes to the program or department you desire.