Giving from Your 401k or IRA Retirement Plan
Leave family the balance of savings and checking accounts, and donate double-taxed assets like IRAs to us.
You've worked hard and planned for retirement. Now, with a little creativity, you can leverage your retirement assets to benefit you and your family, reduce federal taxes, and support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley far into the future.
How It Works
- Name or designate United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan.
- Pass the balance of your retirement assets to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley by contacting your plan administrator.
- Important! Tell United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley about your gift. Your plan administrator is not obligated to notify us, so if you don't tell us, we may not know.
70 ½ or older? Make a “Tax-Free” Gift Through Your IRA
- Qualified Charitable Distribution (IRA Rollover)
Note: SECURE Act 2.0 increased the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age from 72 to 73, and it will increase again to 75 beginning in 2033 (for individuals born in 1960 or later). The age for making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), however, remains 70½. This allows charitable-minded individuals to make tax-free donations from their IRA before they are required to take taxable RMDs.
Benefits
- Continue to take regular lifetime withdrawals.
- Maintain flexibility to change beneficiaries if your family's needs change during your lifetime.
- Your heirs avoid the potential double taxation on the assets left in your retirement account.
Next
- More detail on retirement plans.
- Frequently asked questions on retirement plans.
- Have you drafted your will? Create yours online, for free.
- Contact us so we can assist you through every step.
“Giving through United Way provides us with a simpler and more structured way to support the charities and organizations we believe in.”
Paul and Rebecca Francis
Tocqueville Society Members
Leadership Circle spotlights
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Nearly 1,500 Volunteers UNITE to Transform the Valley in a Single Day of Service at United Way’s 32nd Day of Caring, Presented by Crayola
Volunteers from 60 companies and organizations kick off the 2025 United Way campaign during Lehigh Valley’s largest, single-day volunteer effort.
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15 Years of Impact: Why the Pessinas Choose to Give Back
Member spotlight: Michael and Michele Pessina have supported United Way for over 15 years, driven by a shared belief in giving locally. Their passion for education, children and lasting impact continues to shape a stronger Lehigh Valley community.
