A Simple Way to Give in 2026—Using Your IRA
For supporters age 70½ and older
As you plan your giving for 2026, one provision in the tax law deserves a closer look: the Qualified Charitable Distribution, often called a QCD.
It’s not complicated. And for many donors, it’s the most sensible way to give.
What Is a QCD?
A Qualified Charitable Distribution allows you to give directly from your traditional IRA to a qualified operating charity such as Feminist Majority Foundation, the publisher of Ms. magazine.
A QCD:
- Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
- Does not count as taxable income
- Does not require itemizing deductions
- Helps keep your adjusted gross income (AGI) lower
That last point often matters more than it seems—especially for Medicare premiums and other income-based thresholds.
Why QCDs Matter More in 2026
Beginning in 2026:
- Most donors will not itemize deductions
- Cash gifts provide limited or no tax benefit for non-itemizers
- Even itemizers must exceed a small “giving floor” before deductions apply
In short: writing a check from your bank account may feel generous—but it often no longer helps at tax time.
A QCD avoids that problem entirely.
How to Make a QCD
- Contact your IRA custodian.
- Request a check payable directly Feminist Majority Foundation/Ms.
- Note “Qualified Charitable Distribution” on the reques.
- The custodian mails the check directly to:
Feminist Majority Foundation/ Ms. magazine
1600 Wilson Blvd. Suite 801, Arlington, Va., 22209
OR
433 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif., 90212
Important Rules to Know
- QCDs are available to donors age 70½ or older.
- Checks must come directly from the IRA custodian.
- QCDs may be made only to operating charities.
- Donor-advised funds and private foundations are not eligible.
Annual limits apply; unused amounts cannot be carried forward.
The Bottom Line
If you’re already required to take money out of your IRA, a QCD lets you decide where part of it goes— before it becomes taxable income.
It’s one of the clearest, most reliable ways to support educational work on equality in 2026.
If you think a QCD may be right for you, your IRA custodian or tax advisor can help with the simple mechanics.
Real-Life Example
Example 1: Helen
Helen is 73. She has $240,000 in her IRA and will have an RMD in 2026.She wants to give $1,500 early in the year to support the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Feminist College Campus programs.
Helen asks her IRA custodian to send $1,500 directly to Feminist Majority Foundation, to be earmarked for Ms., as a QCD.
Result:
- The $1,500 counts toward her RMD.
- The $1,500 never appears as taxable income.
- Her AGI stays lower.
- Ms. magazine receives the full gift when the work is underway.