by Wendy Clark
Every December 31, a financial deadline looms, but for an orphan, it can mean the start of a new life.
If you’re over 70½ and have saved for retirement in an IRA, 401(k), or similar plan, the IRS requires you to withdraw a percentage each year. It’s called a Required Minimum Distribution, or RMD.
For many, this annual withdrawal provides needed income. But for others, it can feel like a nuisance—extra income you don’t need and extra taxes you’d rather not pay.
What if that required withdrawal could do something extraordinary instead?
“Turn a required withdrawal into an exceptional gift. A child’s life will be changed, and your heart will rejoice.”
You may be required to take your RMD, but no one said it couldn’t be remarkable. When you give through your RMD, you transform an obligation into opportunity. You help feed, clothe, and educate a child who will thank God for you long after this year’s deadline passes.
By directing your RMD straight from your IRA to ICC as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), you can satisfy your required withdrawal while reducing your taxable income. Because the gift goes directly to charity, it isn’t counted as taxable income, which may also help lower your overall tax bracket or the amount of Social Security that’s taxed.
This transfer—from investment in your account to investment in a child’s life—has eternal significance. Each gift helps children learn about God’s love and discover hope through Christian education.
Talk with your fund manager about making a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly to ICC. You can give all or part of your RMD this way. It may turn out to be the most remarkable gift you make this year, one that blesses you and changes a child’s life forever.
World Orphan Sabbath
“World Orphan Sabbath” is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on the needs of orphaned children, as well as the wonderful opportunities that exist to help support them through prayer and care. It’s not too late to get your church involved! Put up a poster or share a short video.
You can engage and involve your church by sharing the resources ICC has available for this day by using the QR code or link below. Resources include action steps, poster, bulletin inserts, videos, and presentations. Simply visit https://forhiskids.org/wos25
Announcing The Christmas Hope Matching Challenge
Just in time for the holidays, the Christmas Hope Matching Challenge will enable you to double the impact of your gift. Give early, give often to support the children before the year ends. Look for further details coming next month!
Dates & Deadlines (for end-of-year giving)
– Mail in donations: Postmarked by 12/31/2025
– Call in donations: Call before 3:00 pm PST on 12/31/2025
– Online donations: received prior to midnight PST on 12/31/2025
