2. Donate your required minimum distributions (RMDs) for IRAs to a charity of your choice.
You can make a donation of any amount from your IRA to a charity of your choice. When you are at the age of making RMDs, you may choose to donate these distributions directly to charity. An RMD is the minimum amount of money you must withdraw each year from a tax-deferred retirement plan after you reach age 73. When you reach 70½, you may donate up to $108,000 in 2025 from an IRA directly to a charity and, by doing so, the amount does not need to be recognized as income for federal tax purposes. Once you reach 73, this qualified charitable distribution (QCD) counts toward your RMD for the year, even if it’s more than your RMD. But if you make deductible traditional IRA contributions after age 70½ and also request a QCD, the QCD amount will be reduced by the amount of the traditional IRA deductions. Generally, you would be required to pay ordinary income taxes on those withdrawals.
Individuals may also make a one-time QCD contribution of up to $54,000 in 2025 to fund one of the following: charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT) or charitable gift annuity (CGA).
To make a donation, including an RMD, you would need to complete the Qualified Charitable Distribution Request form (29998) for IRAs.
3. Donate fund shares as part of your estate plan.
As you think about your legacy and prepare an estate plan, it is possible to designate a charity as a beneficiary on your fund shares and potentially reduce taxes on your estate.* This will direct your assets to a cause you care about upon your death and allow you to make a lasting impact. To designate a charity as the beneficiary for your funds, you would need to complete a Beneficiary Designation Request form (MF307).
When donating non-retirement funds or funds as part of your legacy plans, you can use your gift to establish a donor-advised fund through Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing®, which is a public charity. A donor-advised fund through Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing provides an efficient and strategic option for your charitable giving and may have tax benefits. Visit thriventcharitable.com for more details.