Qualified Charitable Distributions

Support Veterans Ways to Give Beyond Cash

In addition to cash or credit card gifts, supporters of Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) can make tax-efficient, high-impact contributions through a variety of non-cash assets:

✅Publicly traded stock (very common, highly tax-efficient)

✅Mutual funds and ETFs

✅Donor-advised funds (DAFs) (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard)

✅IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) (for donors age 70½+)

✅Cryptocurrency 

✅Real property (Additional review required)

Please consult your professional advisor regarding the tax implications of your gift, which may allow donors to reduce taxes while maximizing impact for veterans.

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Make a Lasting Impact with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved veterans while potentially lowering your taxable income through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA.

A QCD is a direct, tax-free transfer from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified nonprofit like Veterans Legal Institute. By giving through a QCD, you help provide free legal services to veterans in need, empowering them to overcome barriers to housing, healthcare, education, and employment.

Why Give Through a QCD?

  • Tax-Free Giving: QCDs may reduce your taxable income — even if you don’t itemize deductions.
  • Satisfy Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD): A QCD counts toward your RMD if you're 73 or older.
  • Support Veterans Directly: Your gift provides critical legal help to veterans facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and unjust discharges.

Give with Impact: 100% of your QCD supports VLI’s mission of protecting and empowering veterans through legal aid.

Who Can Make a QCD?

  • You must be 70½ or older at the time of the donation.
  • The funds must come from a traditional IRA (Roth IRAs typically do not qualify).
  • The distribution must be made directly from your IRA custodian to Veterans Legal Institute.

You can give up to $100,000 annually as a QCD (or $200,000 for married couples with separate IRAs).

How to Give a QCD to VLI

  1. Contact Your IRA Administrator: Let them know you’d like to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to Veterans Legal Institute.
  2. Provide Our Updated Information:
    Veterans Legal Institute
    Tax ID: 47-1608069.
    Address:
    1231 Warner Avenue
  3. Tustin, CA 92780
    Phone: (714) 852-3492
    Email: info@vetslegal.org

Let Us Know: We’d love to thank you and ensure your gift is used according to your wishes.

Sample Letter for Your IRA Administrator

Dear [IRA Administrator],

Please make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from my IRA in the amount of $[Amount] to:

Veterans Legal Institute
1231 Warner Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
Tax ID: 47-1608069

This gift is intended to be a Qualified Charitable Distribution for the tax year [20XX].

Sincerely,


[Your Name]

Your Legacy: Justice for Veterans

When you give through your IRA, you’re doing more than making a tax-savvy gift — you’re restoring dignity and hope to veterans who have honorably served but now face legal barriers to rebuilding their lives.

Questions?

We’re here to help. Contact us at:
📧 info@vetslegal.org
📞 (714) 852-3492
📍 1231 Warner Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780

Veterans Legal Institute does not provide tax or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisor regarding the tax implications of your gift.

 

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