Giving From Your Retirement Plan: The Details
Is this gift right for you?
A gift from your retirement account is for you if…
- You hold a 401(k), IRA, or other retirement plan.
- You prefer to make a gift to us through your estate plan.
- You want to balance your giving between providing for your family and for us.
- You want to ensure the most efficient distribution of the assets in your estate.
If the largest asset in your estate is your retirement plan, such as a 401(k), IRA, or Keogh, you may be surprised to learn that the IRS will impose income tax on the remaining balance in the account if you designate it to any individual beneficiary other than your spouse.
In fact, the new SECURE Act will mandate most beneficiaries other than your spouse to withdraw and pay income tax on the entire account value within 10 years. The tax implications may greatly reduce the benefits for your heirs.
This tax is in addition to the estate tax that may be imposed on the account. For estates fully subject to the estate tax, the result can be that up to 60 percent of the value of your retirement plan will be consumed in taxes before your child, relative, or friend receives it.
There is a sensible charitable alternative
Name the Foundation as the beneficiary of your retirement plan, then use other assets not subject to income tax to make gifts to your heirs. Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, as a qualified non-profit, won't pay income tax on our distribution and your heirs will receive their share of your estate without the burden of extra taxes.
Read more about how to designate us as a beneficiary of a retirement plan.
Please contact us so that we can assist you through every step of the process.
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Planning your estate and legacy for future generations, including your charitable interests, takes careful evaluation. Consulting with the appropriate professionals can assist you.
The material presented on this Planned Giving website is not offered as legal or tax advice.
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Create a Permanent Tribute on the National Museum of the Marine Corps' Historic Grounds
Leave your mark on history and honor someone who has served our nation. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Commemorative Brick Program offers a unique way to recognize Marines, veterans, family members, and friends while supporting the Museum’s mission to preserve Marine Corps history.
Each personalized brick is permanently installed along the pathways of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the National Museum of the Marine Corps — a breathtaking setting that overlooks the Museum and pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of all Marines.
A Meaningful Gift and Lasting Tribute
For a $300 donation, your brick will be engraved with your personal message and placed in this scenic and historic setting overlooking the Museum.
Engraving Details:
- Up to 3 lines of text
- 20 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation)
Each brick is a testament to the Marine Corps legacy and helps preserve and share Marine Corps history for generations to come.

Order Your Commemorative Brick Today
Make your lasting tribute by ordering your brick online. Your donation supports the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve the history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps.

Visit Your Brick at Semper Fidelis Memorial Park
Once installed, we welcome you to visit your tribute brick in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park — a peaceful space dedicated to reflecting on the service and sacrifice of all Marines.
Use the Online Brick Locator to search by name, brick number, city, state, or inscription for a detailed map of each commemorative brick installed on the Museum grounds.
For best results, we recommend entering information into one field only and clicking Submit.