Give from Your IRA.
Save More Lives.
If you’re age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution may let you support the Santa Cruz SPCA while potentially reducing your taxable income.
What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
A Qualified Charitable Distribution — or QCD — is a gift made directly from your IRA to a charity like the Santa Cruz SPCA. Once you reach age 70½, you can ask your IRA administrator to send funds straight to us, and that amount is generally excluded from your taxable income.
Because the gift goes directly to the animals rather than through your bank account, you receive the tax benefit whether or not you itemize your deductions. For many supporters, it’s one of the simplest and most tax-smart ways to give.
QCDs were created by Congress to encourage charitable giving from retirement savings, and they’ve become a favorite option for donors who want their generosity to go further.
Why Give Through a QCD?
A QCD lets you help homeless animals while making the most of your retirement savings.
Potential tax savings
Your gift is excluded from your taxable income, which may help lower your overall tax bill — even if you don’t itemize.
Satisfy your RMD
If you’re required to take a minimum distribution, a QCD can count toward it while keeping that income off your return.
Direct impact on animals
Every dollar goes straight to lifesaving care — shelter, medical treatment, and second chances for animals in need.
Easy transfer process
Your IRA administrator sends the gift directly to us. No complicated paperwork, and our team is here to help.
Who Can Make a QCD?
You can likely make a Qualified Charitable Distribution if…
- ✓You are age 70½ or older on the date of your gift.
- ✓You own an eligible IRA (Traditional, Rollover, or Inherited).
- ✓You’d like to make a charitable gift to the animals.
- ✓The gift is transferred directly by your IRA custodian to the Santa Cruz SPCA.
A quick note on timing
You can begin making QCDs at age 70½ — even before Required Minimum Distributions begin at age 73. Employer plans like 401(k)s aren’t eligible, but funds rolled into an IRA are. Your advisor can confirm what applies to you.
Every gift becomes a second chance
Behind every number is an animal who arrived frightened, hungry, or hurt — and found safety with us. A warm bed. A full bowl. The medical care they needed. And, in time, a family to call their own.
A gift from your IRA helps write that story again and again. It’s a way to turn a lifetime of saving into a lasting legacy of compassion — and to know your generosity is changing lives right here in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement? +
Can a QCD satisfy my Required Minimum Distribution? +
Is there an annual limit? +
Can I receive benefits in return for my gift? +
Can I make multiple QCDs? +
Should I consult my financial advisor? +
Have a question we didn’t cover? Email our Development Team →
Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
A short conversation with your advisor can help you decide whether a QCD is right for you.
- Q. Am I eligible to make a QCD?
- Q. Would a QCD reduce my taxable income?
- Q. Can it satisfy my Required Minimum Distribution?
- Q. How do I initiate the transfer?
- Q. Is a QCD appropriate for my charitable goals?
What You’ll Need
Share these details with your IRA administrator to direct your gift to the animals.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Once your custodian has these details, they’ll handle the transfer directly. Let us know your gift is on the way so we can thank you and put it to work right away.
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Qualified Charitable Distributions: A Guide for Santa Cruz SPCA Supporters
Download our free guide to learn how a gift from your IRA can help animals — and your tax plan.
Other Tax-Smart Ways to Give
A QCD is one of several ways to support the animals while making the most of your assets.
Appreciated Stock
Give securities that have grown in value and may avoid capital gains tax.
Beneficiary Designations
Name the Santa Cruz SPCA as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance.
Legacy Gifts
Include the animals in your will and leave a lasting legacy of compassion.
Estate Planning
Thoughtful planning can support the causes you love for years to come.
Giving from my IRA just made sense. I could help the animals I love, satisfy my required distribution, and know my gift was going straight to work — all in one simple step.A Santa Cruz SPCA SupporterQCD Donor · Santa Cruz County
Turn Your Retirement Savings Into Second Chances
Talk with your advisor, then reach out to our Development Office — we’ll help you make a gift that saves lives for years to come.
The Santa Cruz SPCA does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. This page is offered for educational purposes only. Please consult your own attorney, financial planner, or tax advisor about your individual circumstances before making a gift.
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We receive no government funding and are not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society. Tax ID: 94-6171565.
2601 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(P) 831-465-5000 (F) 831-479-8530
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The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. Our organization is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society.
Tax ID: 94-6171565
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