Qualified Charitable Distributions are a tax-efficient gift option
If you are 70.5 or older and want a tax-efficient way to support climate advocacy, consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) as part of your IRA withdrawal strategy. A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA to a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization, such as Citizens’ Climate Education. Note that QCDs cannot be made to Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a 501(c)(4) organization. The main benefit of a QCD is that it is excluded from taxable income, allowing you to maximize both your charitable impact and tax savings. Additionally, QCDs count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) once you reach age 73. Your RMD is the amount you must withdraw from your IRA by the December 31st deadline to avoid facing a 25% tax penalty.
Getting started
Making a QCD is simpler than you might think. Contact your IRA custodian (the financial institution that holds your IRA) to let them know you would like to make a QCD, or check their website for a QCD form. You can submit your request in writing, by phone, or through the online form your IRA custodian provides. They will also need information about our organization, which is provided below.
*Every financial situation is different, so we recommend consulting a financial advisor or professional to understand the tax implications of your gift.
Organizational Information
Legal Name: Citizens’ Climate Education Corp Tax ID Number: 26-2948811 Address: 1330 Orange Avenue #309, Coronado, CA 92118 Email: Phone: (619) 437-7142
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact if I have questions or need more information?
Reach out to our Development Team at or call our home office at (619) 437-7142.
I’ve already made a QCD gift to Citizens’ Climate Education. Where can I get a copy of my tax acknowledgement letter?
Thank you so much for your support. Please reach out to our Development Team at or call our home office at (619) 437-7142, and we would be happy to help.
Where can I learn more about QCDs?
We recommend consulting a financial advisor or tax professional for guidance
on QCDs and how they fit your unique financial situation. You can also find
more information on the IRS’ website.
How do I request a QCD for Citizens’ Climate Education?
Thank you for considering a QCD for Citizens’ Climate Education. To get started, contact your IRA custodian (the financial institution that holds your IRA) to let them know you would like to make a QCD, or check their website for a QCD form. You can submit your request in writing, by phone, or through the online form your IRA custodian provides. When making your request, specify the dollar amount you wish to contribute to Citizens’ Climate Education. To ensure the distribution qualifies as a QCD and is excluded from taxable income, your IRA custodian must issue the payment directly to Citizens’ Climate Education (not to you).
Prefer to make a one-time or monthly donation? Citizens’ Climate Education (CCE) and Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) are sister organizations that complement each other in strategically building political will for impactful climate solutions. CCL is a non-profit, grassroots advocacy 501(c)(4) organization; contributions are not tax-deductible. CCE is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law.
