Give through your IRA

Three ways you can support Wistar through your IRA

You can give any amount up to $108,000* per year from your IRA directly to The Wistar Institute without having to pay income taxes on the distribution if you are 70½ years of age or older. For married couples, each spouse can contribute up to their individual limit, totaling up to $216,000* per year. This popular gift option is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover but you may also see it referred to as a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD. Beginning in the year you turn 73, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD).

*(2025 allowance)

Beneficiary Designation

If you’re looking for a way to support Wistar in the future, consider a deferred “Legacy Gift” by designating Wistar as the beneficiary of your IRA or other retirement plan. Update your beneficiary designations online or using a change-of-beneficiary form, accessible from your administrator or provider’s website. You can designate Wistar as your policy’s primary beneficiary for a percentage or specific amount. You can also make Wistar the contingent beneficiary so that the Institute will receive the balance of your plan only if your primary beneficiary doesn’t survive you. Your gift will provide for Wistar’s future needs and be part of the legacy you leave on the Institute and we’ll proudly recognize you as a member of our 1892 Legacy Society. Already included Wistar as your retirement account beneficiary? Let us know.

One-Time QCD/Rollover to Fund a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) or Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)

The Secure Act 2.0 allows donors aged 70½ or older to use a unique, one-time (one-tax-year) opportunity to fund a life-income gift (i.e. a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust) up to $54,000* directly from your IRA without paying income tax on the funds transferred. As with all QCDs, this one-time transfer counts towards satisfying your required minimum distribution (RMD). This may be particularly attractive to donors who want to create a predictable source of income while ultimately benefiting the non-profit of your choosing after you pass. Learn more about CGAs and CRTs.

*(2025 allowance)

Why might a gift through your IRA suit you?

With a QCD you pay no income taxes on the withdrawn funds. The transfer from your IRA directly to the charity of your choice is a tax-smart way to make a contribution with pre-tax dollars. This may be especially appealing to donors who do not itemize deductions.
If you don’t need the income from your IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD lets you fulfill that obligation and avoid counting that distribution as taxable income. This can lower your adjusted gross income (AGI), which may help reduce Medicare premiums, and taxation of Social Security benefits, among other deductions or credits tied to income levels.
As you consider how best to provide for your loved ones through your estate plans, you may find that naming Wistar as beneficiary of your IRA is the most effective way to leave money to Wistar and reduce the federal income tax burden that your children would be subject to if they were beneficiaries of the retirement asset.

Take action today

Contact Brittany McCrimmon at 215.495.6856 or bmccrimmon@wistar.org to discuss the different options for giving through your IRA or other retirement plan.
Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
If you include Wistar in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.
- Legal name: The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology
- Address: 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Federal tax ID (EIN) number: 23-6434390

Already included Wistar as your retirement account beneficiary?

Let us know