Casting Your Legacy: A Deeper Look at IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions in 2026

Whether you're planning your next fishing adventure or this year's giving strategy, an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a powerful way to support the IGFA's mission.

What Exactly Is a QCD?

Simply put, it's a direct transfer of funds from your eligible IRA to a qualified charity like the IGFA, allowing you to support our mission while potentially reducing your tax burden. Be sure to discuss this with your tax professional, as it's important to consider your tax situation before deciding whether to make a charitable contribution to the IGFA from your eligible IRA.

For anglers 70½ or older, a QCD from an eligible IRA may offer a unique opportunity to support the future of sportfishing while potentially reducing your taxable income. Think of it as the perfect double-header. You may be able to satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you've reached RMD age and certain rules are met, while advancing IGFA's critical work in game fish conservation and youth education.

Recent changes to U.S. federal tax law have made QCDs an even more attractive giving option for many donors. Ask your tax professional how these changes may affect your charitable giving strategy.

Here's Why a QCD Might Be Your Best Cast This Year

Transfer up to $111,000 annually from your eligible IRA (or up to $222,000 for married couples with separate eligible IRAs) directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization like IGFA
Potentially satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) as long as certain rules are met
Possibly reduce your taxable income since the distribution may not be counted as income
Support IGFA's mission without affecting your current cash flow

How It Works

Making a QCD is as smooth as casting with a well-balanced rod: your IRA administrator makes a direct transfer to the IGFA. The funds never pass through your hands. But like planning for that dream fishing expedition, timing is important. QCDs must be completed by December 31 to count for the tax year. For a QCD to count toward your minimum annual IRA distribution, it must be made by the same deadline as a normal distribution, which is usually Dec. 31 of the tax year in question.

Other Ways to Create Your IGFA Legacy

While QCDs offer unique advantages for tax-smart giving, the IGFA offers multiple tax-efficient giving options beyond QCDs. You can create your IGFA legacy through various methods. To learn more about tax-smart strategies, visit our webpage, Casting Your Legacy: Strategic Giving to the IGFA.

Every individual's financial situation and philanthropic goals are unique, just as every angler's relationship with the sport is personal. The key is to find a strategy that aligns with your financial objectives while supporting the aspects of IGFA's vision and mission that resonate most with you.

Ready to Learn More?

Barbara E. Cini, JD, CFRE, Chief Development Officer | [email protected] | 954-498-7153

Eric Combast, Development Director | [email protected] | 954-924-4325

This information is for educational purposes only and, as always, be sure to consult your tax professional for the advice best tailored to your individual circumstances.