When funding is rigid or delayed, people can’t afford to pause their lives.
At Career Path Services, we work with people who are ready for their next step, even when systems are not. A parent securing steady work. A young adult navigating their first real opportunity. A lifelong worker rebuilding after job loss or housing disruption.
Timing matters. Flexibility matters.
If you are 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is one way to support this work while aligning your giving with your financial planning.
Career Path Services accepts these donations to help uplift individuals who need it most. Your contribution can go a long way toward providing security, meaning, and hope for families across Washington state.
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution?
A Qualified Charitable Distribution is a direct transfer of funds from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified nonprofit organization.
When a QCD is made correctly:
· The distribution is sent directly from your IRA to the nonprofit
· It can count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD)
· The amount is not included in your taxable income
Many donors use QCDs as a straightforward way to give, particularly when they no longer rely on their full IRA distribution for daily expenses.
Who is eligible to make a QCD?
· You may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution if:
· You are 70½ or older
· You have a traditional IRA
· The distribution is made directly from your IRA custodian to the nonprofit
QCDs generally cannot be made from employer-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k)s. Annual limits are set by the IRS and may change over time.
Why some donors choose a QCD
Donors who use QCDs often appreciate the clarity and control this option provides. A QCD may be a good fit if you are looking to:
· Meet required minimum distributions without increasing taxable income
· Put retirement funds to use in ways that reflect your values
· Support organizations doing work that requires responsiveness, not delay
· Give consistently as part of an annual plan
For many, a QCD becomes a dependable way to give simple to manage and aligned with long-term intentions.
How much can I give through a QCD?
There’s no one right amount. Eligible individuals may give any amount that feels meaningful to them, up to $108,000 per year. Annual limits are set by the IRS and may increase over time.
How QCDs support Career Path Services
Gifts made through Qualified Charitable Distributions are often unrestricted. That matters.
Unrestricted support allows Career Path Services to respond when people are ready, not only when funding cycles allow. It helps sustain programs through funding gaps, cover costs that grants do not, and adapt services as community needs shift.
This kind of flexibility supports:
· Workforce training and career navigation
· Youth and young adult employment pathways
· Stability for individuals navigating job loss or transition
QCD gifts help us stay responsive, grounded, and steady, even when conditions change.
How to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution
Most donors begin by contacting their IRA custodian. While processes vary by institution, the steps typically include:
· Requesting a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA
· Designating Career Path Services as the recipient
· Confirming the funds are sent directly to CPS
Your financial institution can guide you through their specific requirements and timing.
A note on tax and financial planning
Career Path Services cannot provide tax or financial advice. We encourage you to consult with your tax advisor or financial planner to determine whether a QCD is right for your situation.
Many donors find that these conversations also help clarify their broader giving goals and priorities.
Questions?
A contribution to Career Path Services is a meaningful step toward employment, economic stability, and a stronger future for Washington job seekers. These contributions support programs designed to break the spirit of poverty through the dignity of work for both adults and youth alike.