Are you 73 years old? Or 70 1/2? Or maybe younger?
Why? You may be able to be a special blessing to Fort and thousands of campers!
If you’re 73* or older, you likely know the IRS requires you to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year from your traditional IRA – income that is typically taxable. But it doesn’t have to be. After decades of faithfully saving, you want those resources to do the most good.
One meaningful way to stretch your impact is by giving all or part of your RMD directly to Fort as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). When you give from your retirement fund, the amount you give never becomes taxable income. It’s a simple, effective way to support ministries you care about while reducing your tax burden. There are several opportunities to give. Where do you fit?
| Age | RMD Required | QCD Allowed | Give separate appreciated stock? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | YES | YES | YES – see below |
| 70 1/2 | NO | YES | YES – see below |
| <70 1/2 | NO | NO | YES – see below |
For you, it means your generosity can have an even greater impact. For Fort, it means more campers encountering God’s Word, more families experiencing the beauty of the Northwoods together, and more opportunities to offer warm hospitality in Christ’s name.
Sharing opportunities like this is one way we hope to care well for our community. If an RMD gift aligns with your situation, we’re glad to help you walk through the process.
Craig Holmquist: craigholmquist@fortwilderness.com or 715.715.7920 (direct).
Key Benefits of Making a QCD
Exclusion from Taxable Income
The primary benefit is that the amount donated is not included in your gross income. This differs from a normal IRA withdrawal (which is taxed) followed by a charitable cash donation (which is a deduction).
Satisfies Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
If you are age 73 or older and subject to RMDs, the QCD amount can count toward your annual RMD obligation. This is particularly useful if you don’t need the RMD funds for living expenses.
Lower Adjusted Gross Income (AGI):
By keeping the distribution out of your AGI, you may avoid or reduce the impact of AGI-based phase-outs and limitations on other tax benefits.
Potential Reduction in Medicare Premiums
A lower AGI can help manage your Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which are surcharges on Medicare Parts B and D premiums based on income thresholds.
Tax Efficiency for Non-Itemizers
Since the benefit is an income exclusion rather than a deduction, you gain a tax advantage even if you take the standard deduction on your federal tax return.
Efficient Estate Planning
Using IRA assets for charitable giving can reduce the size of your taxable estate and leave more tax-efficient assets (like appreciated stock with a stepped-up basis) to your heirs.
Greater Giving Power
The tax-free nature of the transfer means the full amount goes to the charity, potentially allowing for a larger total gift than a post-tax cash donation.
Flexibility and Impact
You can donate to multiple eligible 501(c)(3) public charities (excluding donor-advised funds and private foundations), up to an annual limit of $111,000 per person in 2026
Gifts of Stock
Fort Wilderness regularly receives gifts of stock – including retirement accounts and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Find more information here.
