Planned Giving and Qualified Charitable Distributions

Leave a Legacy of Hope

As you consider your financial and philanthropic priorities, including retirement planning and the legacy you wish to leave for future generations, there are several meaningful ways to support Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA). 

A planned gift can help ensure that refugees and other forcibly displaced people continue to receive access to education, livelihoods, reconciliation, and emergency support in more than 50 countries around the world. Through thoughtful estate and retirement planning, you can create a lasting impact while advancing your own financial goals.

Wills and Living Trusts

A bequest through your will or living trust is one of the simplest and most popular ways to make a lasting gift to JRS/USA. You may choose to leave: 

  • A specific dollar amount 
  • A particular asset 
  • A percentage of your estate 
  • The remainder of your estate after other distributions have been made 

Your bequest will help ensure that future generations of refugees and displaced people can build lives of dignity, opportunity, and hope. 

The following language may be shared with your attorney when preparing your estate plans: 

I hereby give to JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE/USA (“JRS/USA”), a nonprofit charitable organization located in Washington, DC, the following described property: __________ 

(when giving securities or real property) 

OR the sum of: __________ 

OR __________ percent (_______%) of the residue of my estate. 

The JRS/USA Board shall use this gift where the need is greatest. 

JRS/USA tax ID number: 52-1355257

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions 

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a tax-efficient gift to JRS/USA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. 

A QCD allows you to transfer funds directly from your traditional IRA to JRS/USA without including the distribution in your taxable income. For individuals who are required to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), a QCD may also satisfy all or part of that requirement. 

You may be eligible to make a QCD if: 

  • You are age 70½ or older. 
  • The funds are transferred directly from your IRA custodian to JRS/USA. 
  • Your total QCDs for the tax year 2026 do not exceed $111,000. 

    Please consult your tax advisor or financial planner before making decisions regarding your IRA account. 

    Beneficiary Designations 

    Another simple way to support JRS/USA is to name the organization as a beneficiary of one or more of your financial assets, including: 

    • IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement accounts 
    • Donor-advised funds 
    • Investment or brokerage accounts 
    • Bank accounts 
    • Life insurance policies 

    By naming JRS/USA as a beneficiary, you can help provide hope, dignity, and opportunity to refugees and displaced families for years to come. 

    How to Name JRS/USA as a Beneficiary 

    1. Request a beneficiary designation form from your plan administrator, insurance provider, or financial institution. 
    2. Complete the form and return it to the provider. 
    3. Notify JRS/USA of your intentions so we may thank you and ensure your wishes are understood. 

        Designating JRS/USA as a beneficiary does not affect your control of these assets during your lifetime. 

        • For retirement accounts, you may continue to make withdrawals and update beneficiaries as your circumstances change. 
        • For life insurance policies, you retain ownership and control of the policy while living and may designate multiple beneficiaries. 

        If you are considering changes to your beneficiary designations, we encourage you to consult with your attorney, financial advisor, or plan administrator. 

        Important Note 

        Beneficiary designations generally pass outside the probate process and typically take precedence over instructions contained in a will. Be sure to discuss these arrangements with your estate planning attorney to ensure your plans reflect your intentions. 

        Special SECURE 2.0 Provision 

        Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, eligible IRA owners may make a one-time Qualified Charitable Distribution of up to $55,000 to certain charitable gift arrangements, including charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts. This amount is indexed for inflation and is separate from traditional annual charitable giving strategies. 

        For more information, please contact: 

        Rebecca Sauras
        Major Gifts Officer – San Francisco Bay Area
        rebecca.sauras@jrsusa.org | 202-629-5942