OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Employee gift matching programs for nonprofits are a fantastic way to amplify your charitable impact. These initiatives involve companies doubling their employees' donations to nonprofit organizations. Here's how you can participate and make a bigger difference:

Get Started: Find out if your employer offers a gift matching program. Many companies support these initiatives. If they do, simply make a donation to IWF.

Spread the Word: Share information about the program with your fellow employees. Encourage them to participate as well. The more people involved, the greater the impact.

Easy Process: Most companies have a straightforward process for matching donations. They often use online platforms where you can submit your donation and request a match. Follow these steps, and your contribution will be doubled.

By participating in employee gift matching, you can make your donations go further and contribute significantly to the causes you care about most. It's an easy and effective way to make a positive difference for IWF.

You can search Charity Navigator’s database to see if your employer offers gift matching, or check with your HR department.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are specialized accounts for charitable giving. They let individuals or organizations contribute funds, receive immediate tax deductions, and then recommend grants to nonprofits. Managed by charitable organizations or financial institutions, DAFs simplify and centralize charitable giving.

When you contribute to a DAF, you can qualify for an income tax deduction for the amount you contribute in that tax year. You can choose which organizations you’d like to support and when those donations should be made.

Keep in mind that donations to a DAF are irrevocable. This means that once you contribute assets, you aren’t able to withdraw them and use them for a different purpose. They must be donated in support of a qualifying charity.

Donating stocks to IWF is a smart way to give back. You start by transferring your shares directly to a our brokerage account by filling out a transfer form and following your brokerage firm's instructions. You'll receive a receipt for tax purposes.

The best part? You can enjoy tax benefits! When you donate stocks you've held for over a year, you can deduct their current market value from your taxable income, potentially saving you more than selling them and donating the cash. Plus, it lets you support your favorite causes while keeping your financial goals and portfolio diversity in check.

What's more, donating stocks has a big impact on IWF. We can sell the donated stocks tax-free, using the proceeds to fund our vital programs. Your contribution helps us to do even more good for Idaho. So, by donating stocks, you're not only saving on taxes but also making a lasting difference where it matters most.

A QCD is a way to meet your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) while also supporting a charitable cause. If you're age 72 or older, you must take RMDs from your traditional IRA each year, and a QCD can help fulfill this requirement while providing tax benefits and philanthropic opportunities.

Why consider making a QCD with RMD?

Tax Benefits: When you make a QCD with your RMD, the distributed amount is excluded from your taxable income. This can be particularly beneficial if you don't need the RMD funds for living expenses and want to minimize your tax liability.

Satisfy RMD Requirements: By making a QCD, you can simultaneously meet your RMD obligation and support IWF.

Philanthropy: You can make a meaningful impact for IWF, a cause you care about, combining your financial responsibilities with your desire to give back.

How to Make a QCD with RMD:

Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the requirements for making a QCD with RMD. You must be at least 70½ years old to be eligible.

Calculate Your RMD: Determine the amount of your RMD for the year. The amount of your RMD depends on several factors, including your age, life expectancy, and whether you’re married. The withdrawal percentage varies greatly and there are charts available to help you.

Contact Your IRA Custodian: Reach out to the financial institution that manages your IRA account and inform them of your intention to make a QCD with RMD. They will provide you with the necessary forms and guidance on the process.

Specify the Amount: Decide how much of your RMD you want to donate as a QCD. You can choose to donate the entire RMD amount or a portion of it, up to the annual limit (typically $100,000 per taxpayer).

Complete the Distribution: Fill out the required paperwork provided by your IRA custodian, specifying that the distribution is for a QCD. Be sure to provide our legal name (Idaho Wildlife Federation), our address (1020 W Main St, Suite 450, Boise, ID 83702), and any other necessary details.

Monitor the Process: Keep track of the distribution to ensure it goes directly IWF. This is crucial to qualify for the tax benefits.

Report It on Your Taxes: While QCDs with RMDs are not included in your taxable income, it's still a good practice to report them when you file your taxes. Consult a tax professional or use tax software to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

By following these steps, you can fulfill your RMD requirement, support IWF, and potentially reduce your tax liability during your retirement years. It's a smart financial and philanthropic strategy for many retirees!

Leaving a bequest to IWF in your will is a wonderful way to make a lasting impact on causes you care about. Here's a friendly step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Charitable Goals

Take some time to think about the causes that are close to your heart. Consider what kind of impact you want to make and how much you'd like to donate. Your bequest can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or even a specific asset, such as property or stocks.

Step 2: Seek Legal Advice

It's essential to consult with a qualified attorney or estate planner to ensure your wishes are legally sound. They can help you draft or update your will to include the charitable bequest. They'll ensure your intentions are clear and that your will complies with all legal requirements.

Step 3: Identify the Charity

Specify that you would like to support IWF in your will. Make sure to include our full legal name (Idaho Wildlife Federation), our address (1020 W Main St, Suite 450, Boise, ID 83702), and any other identifying details to avoid confusion.

Step 4: Decide on the Type of Bequest

There are different types of charitable bequests to choose from:

Specific Bequest: You designate a specific dollar amount or asset.

Percentage Bequest: You leave a percentage of your estate. This is a great option if you want your gift to scale with the size of your estate.

Residual Bequest: After taking care of your loved ones and covering other bequests, you designate what remains (the residue) to IWF.

Step 5: Include Clear Language

Your attorney will help you draft the specific wording for your bequest, ensuring it is unambiguous and legally binding. For example, a simple bequest might read, "I give, devise, and bequeath [specific asset or dollar amount] to Idaho Wildlife Federation, located at 1020 W Main St, Suite 450, Boise, Idaho 83702, for its general charitable purposes."

Step 6: Keep Your Will Updated

Life changes, and so may your charitable intentions. Periodically review and update your will to reflect your evolving wishes and circumstances.

Step 7: Inform Your Loved Ones

While it's not mandatory, you may want to inform your family and loved ones about your charitable bequest. Sharing your motivations can help them understand and respect your decision.

Step 8: Seek Tax Advice

Depending on your jurisdiction and the size of your estate, there may be tax benefits associated with charitable giving. Consult with a tax advisor to maximize the impact of your bequest while minimizing the tax implications.

Remember, leaving a charitable bequest in your will is a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy of generosity. Your support can make a positive difference in the world, even after you're gone. Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further guidance!

There are certain assets like your 401(k) account and your life insurance policy that pass on to your beneficiaries outside of your last will and testament. You have to fill out separate beneficiary designation forms for these non-probate assets. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Contact Your Financial Institution or Insurance Company

Reach out to the institution or company that holds your 401(k) account and life insurance policy. You can usually find their contact information on account statements, their website, or by calling their customer service.

Step 2: Request Beneficiary Change Forms

Ask the institution or company for the necessary forms to designate a beneficiary. They might have specific forms for this purpose. If not, they can guide you on how to update your beneficiary information.

Step 3: Fill Out the Forms

Complete the beneficiary designation forms provided by your financial institution or insurance company. Be sure to include all the required information accurately. You'll need to specify the Idaho Wildlife Federation as the beneficiary and provide our legal name and contact details.

Step 4: Specify Percentage or Allocation

If you have multiple beneficiaries, you'll need to specify what percentage or allocation of the assets each beneficiary should receive.

Step 5: Review and Sign

Double-check all the information on the forms for accuracy. Ensure that the Idaho Wildlife Federation's details are correct. Sign and date the forms as required.

Step 6: Submit the Forms

Follow the instructions provided by your financial institution or insurance company for submitting the forms. This might involve mailing them, faxing them, or submitting them online through their secure portal.

Step 7: Keep a Copy

Make a copy of the completed forms for your records. This is important for your own reference and peace of mind.

Step 8: Confirm the Change

After submitting the forms, it's a good practice to follow up with the institution or company to confirm that the beneficiary designation has been updated as per your request.

And there you have it! By following these steps, you'll ensure that the Idaho Wildlife Federation is named as a beneficiary of your non-probate assets, allowing you to support our important work in wildlife conservation. It's a thoughtful and generous way to contribute to a cause you care about.

IWF advocates for Idaho’s wildlife and sporting community. Our small staff works alongside volunteers and affiliate organizations to ensure Idaho’s ecosystems are healthy, robust, and allow for public access. Our network of volunteers help with habitat restoration projects, informational opportunities in their community, and boots on the ground efforts to ensure the health of our wildlife populations. Click here to join our network of volunteers!