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.
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?
- CTax-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
- Contact Your IRA Administrator: Let them know you’d like to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to Veterans Legal Institute.
- Satisfy Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD): A QCD Provide Our Updated Information:
Veterans Legal Institute
Tax ID: 47-1608069.
Address:
1231 Warner Avenue - 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:
You can give up to $100,000 annually as a QCD (or $200,000 for married couples with separate IRAs).
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:
Veterans Legal Institute does not provide tax or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisor regarding the tax implications of your gift.
Join Our Mission: Legal Aid for Heroes
Are you a legal professional? Your expertise can help a veteran reclaim their life.
Join us in providing pro bono legal services to those who served.