As you plan for the future and consider how your legacy will reflect your values, one powerful yet often overlooked strategy is naming a charitable organization—like Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County (EIN: 59-0948696) —as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets. This thoughtful decision can help maximize the impact of your gift while minimizing tax burdens for your heirs.

Retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s are among the most heavily taxed assets you can leave to loved ones. When these assets are passed down to non-spouse beneficiaries, they may be subject to income taxes—reducing the amount your heirs actually receive. However, when designated to a qualified nonprofit organization like Federation, these assets can be transferred tax-free and used to support vital programs and services*.

By naming Federation as a beneficiary of all or a portion of your retirement account, you ensure that your philanthropic goals are fulfilled and that your gift is used efficiently to support the Jewish causes closest to your heart.

How It Works

Making Federation a beneficiary of your retirement assets is simple and doesn’t require revising your will:

1. Request a Beneficiary Designation Form from your plan administrator.
2. List Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County as a primary or contingent beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plan. If you are married, your spouse must sign a written waiver.
3. Give directly to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County from your IRA If you are 70^1/2 or older, you can give up to $108,000 from your IRA as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), without having to pay income taxes on the money. In the beginning of the year you turn 73, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
4. This process is flexible—you can adjust your designations at any time as your circumstances or philanthropic goals evolve.

The Benefits of Giving Retirement Assets

• Tax Efficiency: Retirement plan assets left to heirs are often taxed as ordinary income. Donating these assets to Federation eliminates that tax burden, ensuring 100% of your gift supports meaningful programs and services.
• Simplicity: Unlike wills or trusts, changing a beneficiary designation is straightforward and doesn’t require a lawyer.
• Legacy Building: Your gift helps sustain Jewish life in Palm Beach County and beyond, ensuring that your commitment to community and values continues l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation.
• Complementary Strategy: You can preserve other, less-taxed assets—like appreciated stock or real estate—for loved ones while using retirement assets for charitable giving

By choosing to support Federation through your retirement plan, you become a vital partner in our mission to build a stronger, more vibrant Jewish Future. Your legacy will empower education, inspire leadership, support Israel, combat antisemitism, and uplift the vulnerable—locally, in Israel and overseas.

*Please be sure to contact your tax professional for how this pertains to your specific financial situation.

For more information contact:

William A. Meyer Jewish Community Foundation

Phone: 561-242-6639

Email: meyerjcf@jewishpalmbeach.org

*Please consult a licensed estate planning professional to ensure compliance with applicable state laws.