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QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION

Make Your IRA a Force for Good

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-smart way to support the mission you care about.

If you are 70½ or older, you can give directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to help Maine's children and families, without paying federal income tax on the withdrawal.

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is often referred to as an IRA Charitable Rollover. It allows you to transfer funds directly from your traditional IRA to Maine Children's Trust.


Key Benefits of Giving Through an IRA

  • Pay No Income Tax on the Transfer: Distributions transfer directly to Maine Children's Trust tax-free, keeping the withdrawal out of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
  • Satisfy Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD): If you are age 73 or older and subject to mandatory distributions, your QCD counts directly toward meeting your annual RMD.
  • Benefit Even If You Take the Standard Deduction: Because the distribution bypasses your taxable income entirely, you receive a direct tax advantage even if you do not itemize deductions.
  • Direct Local Impact: 100% of your gift supports statewide child abuse prevention programs, parent education networks, and community family support systems across Maine.

Important December 31 Deadline

To count toward the current tax year, your QCD must be fully processed and received by Maine Children’s Trust by December 31.

Because financial institutions experience high processing volumes near year-end, we strongly encourage you to submit your distribution paperwork to your custodian by early December to ensure your gift clears before the deadline.

How to Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution

1. Confirm Your Eligibility - You must be at least 70½ years old on the date the distribution is made.

2. Contact Your IRA Custodian - Reach out to the financial institution managing your IRA (such as Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, or your local bank). Request their Qualified Charitable Distribution form or instructions.

3. Instruct a Direct Transfer to Maine Children's Trust - The distribution must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to Maine Children's Trust. Do not withdraw the funds to your personal account first, or the distribution will be treated as taxable income.

4. Notify Maine Children's Trust - IRA checks frequently arrive without donor contact details on the check stub. Please email Melissa Mitchell, Finance & Administrative Assistant, at melissam@mechildrenstrust.org of your incoming gift so we can verify receipt and promptly mail your tax acknowledgment letter.

Maine Children's Trust Legal Information

Provide the following organizational details to your plan administrator or IRA custodian:
  • Legal Name: Maine Children's Trust, Inc.
  • Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN): 01-0492479
  • Organization Type: 501(c)(3) Public Charity
  • Mailing Address: Maine Children's Trust
               56 Leighton Road
               Augusta, ME 04330

Questions? Contact Us!

We are here to assist you and your financial advisor with any questions regarding charitable distributions.

(Note: Maine Children's Trust does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your financial advisor or tax professional to determine how a Qualified Charitable Distribution fits your overall financial and tax plan.)