Use Your IRA to Support Nature
If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free distribution from your traditional or Roth IRA to The Nature Conservancy. It's an efficient way to support the causes that matter to you most.
How It Works
You can donate up to $100,000 each year without incurring income tax on your withdrawal.
Here's the process:
- You direct distributions in the amount of your choosing from your traditional or Roth IRA to TNC. This can be a one-time or recurring gift.
- The distributions go directly to TNC and are not subject to federal income tax.
How You Benefit
- You avoid the income tax penalty on your distributions.
- You have the satisfaction of seeing your gift immediately support critical conservation work.
Can It Work for You?
A gift through your IRA may be for you if:
- You are over age 70½.
- You are over age 72 and do not need the additional income from your required minimum distributions.
- You don't itemize deductions or you are subject to a rule that limits your deductions.
- You live in a state with no charitable income tax deduction.
- You are no longer working and making contributions to a retirement plan.
More Information
Example: You are 75 years old and your adjusted gross income will total $200,000 this year. You direct a $100,000 payment from your IRA to us.
Donor | Individual, age 75 |
Withdrawal from IRA | $100,000 |
Contribution | $100,000 |
Income tax on withdrawal | $0 |
Charitable deduction for withdrawal | $0 |
Please note that The Nature Conservancy cannot render tax or legal advice and we urge you to consult with your professional advisor about your situation before making a charitable gift.
Making Your Gift
To ensure that your gift is properly processed and that you are listed as the donor of record, please have all checks directed to the address below. If is very important that you also contact us at (833) 336-7526 or legacy@tnc.org to let us know to expect your gift.
The Nature Conservancy, attn: Gift Planning
4245 North Fairfax Drive Ste. 100
Arlington, VA 22203
Please Note
If you are still working and contributing to a retirement account, this gift could impact your taxable income. Please consult a qualified advisor before making a gift. If you’re under the age of 70½, you can use your IRA to support TNC’s work by making a withdrawal and donating the proceeds after taxes OR by designating TNC as a beneficiary of your retirement plan. For more information, please contact one of our gift planning experts.
Directing our IRA distributions directly to the Conservancy allows us to use some of our income to support what we care most about.

Donor Story
Meet Chris and Kate Mathews
Chris and Kate Mathews were required to take minimum distributions from their IRAs—so they used that income to make a tax-free gift to TNC.

Questions?
We're here to help! For more information, contact our gift planning experts.