Want to make your giving go further? Consider a DAF or QCD

Thoughtful generosity impacts the Lake Oswego Public Library and community! There are smart ways to make your charitable support go even further. Two options for many donors to consider are Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).

A DAF is a charitable giving account managed by a sponsoring public charity. You can contribute cash or appreciated assets, receive a potential tax deduction in the year of the gift, and then recommend grants to the nonprofits you care about over time. DAFs offer a great deal of flexibility. There are no age requirements to open one, and, depending on the sponsoring entity you choose, initial minimum contributions can be very low. With a DAF, you make an irrevocable contribution at any age, and your donation to the DAF may be eligible as an itemized tax deduction. Your contribution to the DAF grows tax-deferred, and you can give any amount as often as you wish to a qualifying non-profit.

A QCD, on the other hand, allows individuals age 70½ or older to transfer funds directly from an IRA to an eligible charity (Friends is a qualified 501(c)(3)) –up to $111,000 per person in 2026—that count toward your required minimum distribution and aren't taxed as income. For many retirees, this can be a meaningful way to support nonprofit missions while potentially helping to lower Adjusted Gross Income, help avoid high-income surcharges (IRMAA) on Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, and reduce the portion of your Social Security benefits that are taxable. 

Both approaches can be powerful tools for people who want their generosity to be intentional, impactful, and tax-wise. If you already have a DAF, please consider recommending a grant to support the Friends of the Lake Oswego Public Library. If you are eligible, QCD gift from your IRA can help sustain the programs and services that matter most to our community. Every contribution helps us continue delivering over 100 Library programs and events each year.

Because tax rules and eligibility requirements can vary, we encourage you to consult your financial advisor, tax professional, or IRA administrator to determine what option is best for your situation; this information is provided for general purposes only. However you choose to give, your partnership makes a real difference—and we are deeply grateful for your support.

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