Giving From Your Retirement Plan: The Details

One of the simplest — and smartest — gifts you can leave

Many people are surprised to learn that a retirement account can be one of the most tax-wise ways to support a cause they love. If you have an IRA, 401(k), or similar plan, you can leave part of it to Marine Corps Heritage Foundation just by naming us on a beneficiary form.

No attorney. No changes to your will. No complicated paperwork. Just a simple form — and a lasting impact.

You don't have to be a certain age. You don't give anything today. And you can change your mind anytime.

How it works

• Ask your plan administrator for a beneficiary designation form (most let you do it online).
• Name Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for all or part of the account.
• Keep a copy with your estate planning documents.
• Tell us — your administrator isn't required to notify us, so without a heads-up, we may never know your wishes.

One tip that protects your gift: use a percentage, not a dollar amount.

If you write a fixed dollar figure and your account rises or falls over the years, the gift won't match what you intended — and your family's share can shrink more than you expected. A percentage keeps everyone's share fair, no matter how the balance changes.

Why your IRA is the smartest asset to give

When your family inherits a traditional IRA, the IRS taxes those dollars as income — and the SECURE Act requires most heirs to empty the account on an accelerated timeline, often stacking the tax bill during their highest-earning years.

A charity pays none of that. So there's a smart way to balance your estate:

• Give us the IRA — we receive it in full, tax-free.
• Leave your family the assets that aren't double-taxed, like your home or savings.

Same generosity to everyone you love. Far less lost to taxes.

Already retired?

Once you reach the eligible age, you may be able to give directly from your IRA to the Foundation through a Qualified Charitable Distribution — a gift that can count toward your required withdrawal and isn't added to your taxable income, even if you don't itemize. The SECURE Act page has the current age and limits. Your financial advisor can tell you whether it's right for you.

Important: for your beneficiary form

Please use our exact legal name and tax ID so your gift reaches us cleanly:
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation — Tax ID (EIN) 26-0803466

We'd be honored to help

If you've named the Foundation — or you're thinking about it — let us know. We'd like to thank you personally and make sure your gift is carried out exactly as you intend.