Donors who are aged 70 1/2 or older are able to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) up to annual IRS limits from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to a qualified public charity, such as Main Street Community Foundation. Besides supporting a favorite charity and cause, donors benefit by not having to pay federal income taxes on the amount donated.

The requirements to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution are:

• Donors must be at age 70 1/2 or older;
• The maximum amount which may be transferred from an IRA is $108,000 in 2025 and $111,000 in 2026;
• Distributions must be made directly to the charitable organization through the IRA plan administrator;
• Distributions must be made from traditional or Roth IRAs;
• The distribution can be made to almost all types of funds held by the Community Foundation. The exception is that a distribution to a donor advised fund will not count as a qualified charitable distribution.

The benefits are:

• IRA distributions directly to charity are not treated as taxable distributions;
• IRA distributions to qualified charities qualify for the required minimum distribution (RMD);
• Assets are removed from your estate;
• Your generosity helps the communities served by Main Street Community Foundation during critical times.

Disclaimer: The Main Street Community Foundation and the Council on Foundations does not provide legal tax advice; we strongly recommend that you consult with a tax advisor when considering making a charitable contribution.

For information about or assistance with making a gift to Main Street Community Foundation, please contact Susan Sadecki, President & CEO at 860.583.6363 or susan@mainstreetfoundation.org.