Gifts from IRAs

A gift from your IRA can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) and reduce taxable income, allowing you to give more than you might be able to otherwise. Your gift supports KQED’s ability to provide critical information, essential news and cultural programming, and uplifting local events.

You must be 70½ or older to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to KQED.

For 2025, you can give up to $108,000 per year from your IRA (and up to $216,000 for married couples). Tip: This tax savings is especially valuable to donors who are non-itemizers and donors who have reached their limit on itemized charitable deductions. 

Your gift must be completed on or before December 31 in order to count towards your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the calendar year. For those using an IRA checkbook, please remember: the date of gift is when KQED receives the funds in our account, not when the check is postmarked. To avoid penalties for not taking your full RMD, be certain that checks from an IRA checkbook are sent in plenty of time to clear within the calendar year. Tip: Please remember to consult with your financial advisor.

Instruct your IRA custodian to send a specific dollar amount directly to KQED. (You cannot withdraw the funds yourself.) Your IRA custodian can send the gift by check or electronic transfer.

You can find a sample letter of instruction (PDF) for your IRA administrator. 

Please let us know of your charitable intentions so we can ensure your gift is processed in an accurate and timely manner.

Looking for another way to make a gift? You may also be able to fund a charitable gift annuity with your Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) or make an Estate Gift from your IRA.

Please contact the appropriate KQED representative:

Gifts of $500 to $999

Gifts of $1,000 to $4,999

Gifts of $5,000 or above

Legacy gifts through retirement plan beneficiary designations

Adding KQED as a retirement account beneficiary is good tax planning. KQED is exempt from income taxes, unlike individual heirs, so your philanthropic impact will go further when you leave an account to KQED. 

Simply ask the trustee or custodian of your account for a beneficiary designation form and list KQED Inc. KQED’s tax I.D. number is 94-1241309. 

For more information, view our Beneficiary Designations page.

You may be able to fund a charitable gift annuity with your Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Please consult with your financial advisor about this special opportunity.