Make a Tax-Wise Gift from Your IRA

If you are 70½ years old or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation and enjoy unique tax benefits. This simple option, often called an IRA charitable rollover or Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), allows you to make a difference for SigEp without increasing your taxable income.

Why Make an IRA Gift?

• Make an impact today — Your gift benefits SigEp immediately, helping young men thrive by supporting our national programming and other initiatives.
• Lower your taxable income — QCDs are excluded from adjusted gross income, which may help reduce Medicare premiums and the portion of Social Security subject to tax.
• Satisfy your RMD — If you are 73 or older, your QCD can count toward all or part of your required minimum distribution.
• No itemizing required — Because QCDs avoid taxable income rather than generate a deduction, you benefit even if you don’t itemize.

How It Works

1. Contact your IRA custodian and request a qualified charitable distribution to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. We have included a sample letter here for your convenience.
2. Your IRA custodian sends the funds directly to SigEp.
3. Your gift—up to $108,000 in 2025 (indexed for inflation)—is excluded from your taxable income.

IRA Gift FAQ

Am I eligible?
Yes — if you are 70½ or older, you can make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA.

How much can I give?
In 2025, you may give up to $108,000. This limit is indexed for inflation and may increase in future years.

Can this gift count toward my Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
Yes — if you are 73 or older, your QCD can satisfy all or part of your RMD.

What are the tax benefits?
Your gift is excluded from taxable income. That means you don’t pay income tax on the transfer, and it may help lower Medicare premiums and reduce the portion of Social Security subject to tax.

Do I still get a charitable deduction?
No — QCDs avoid taxable income rather than generate a deduction. This is especially helpful if you do not itemize.

How do I make the gift?
Contact your IRA custodian and request a direct transfer to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation. We can provide the details they’ll need.

Can I use other retirement accounts?
QCDs must come from a traditional IRA. They cannot come from 401(k)s, 403(b)s, donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, or private foundations.

Do I need professional advice?
Yes — always consult your tax advisor to confirm how a QCD fits your financial and philanthropic goals.

Ready to make your IRA gift? Contact Executive Director of Advancement Ben Rose, and we’ll provide everything your IRA custodian needs to complete the transfer. Or utilize our form letter to mail your request directly to your IRA custodian.