Legacy giving + planned gifts
Including Feed America in your will, trust, or beneficiary designations is the most powerful gift many donors make. It costs nothing during your lifetime and shapes the platform's future for the people it serves.
Suggested bequest language
"I give [specific amount, specific asset, or percentage] of my estate to Feed America, a Texas 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 92-1761881, headquartered at 13100 Wortham Center Dr FL 3-1046, Houston, TX 77065, for its general charitable purposes."
Your estate attorney can adjust the language for your state and circumstances. Variations: residuary bequest ("the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate"), specific bequest ("$50,000"), contingent bequest ("if my spouse predeceases me…"), or percentage bequest ("10% of my estate").
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts
The most tax-efficient legacy gift is naming Feed America as a beneficiary on an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b). These accounts carry deferred income tax — heirs would owe income tax on distributions. Charities are tax-exempt, so 100% of the asset reaches the mission with no tax leakage.
To designate: log into your retirement account, update the beneficiary form, and add "Feed America, EIN 92-1761881". Can be partial (e.g. 25%) or full. Revocable any time.
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Donors age 70½ and older can transfer up to $105,000/year (2026 limit) directly from an IRA to a 501(c)(3). The QCD:
- Satisfies your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
- Doesn't count as taxable income (strictly better than taking RMD + donating cash)
- Doesn't require itemizing — works even if you take the standard deduction
Contact your IRA custodian; specify Feed America (EIN 92-1761881) as the recipient. Custodian typically processes within 5-10 business days.
Life insurance
Two paths: (1) name Feed America as beneficiary on an existing policy — no cost during your lifetime, full death benefit goes to mission; (2) assign ownership of a paid-up policy — you take a current charitable deduction equal to the policy's cash surrender value, future premiums (if any) become deductible.
Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
You transfer assets to a trust; the trust pays you (or a designated beneficiary) income for life or a term of years; whatever remains at the end goes to Feed America. CRTs are complex — they offer current tax deductions, capital-gains avoidance on appreciated assets, and steady lifetime income, but they have setup costs and ongoing administration. Talk to an estate attorney + tax advisor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I include Feed America in my will?
Use the suggested bequest language above with our EIN 92-1761881. Your estate attorney can adapt it for your state.
What is an IRA QCD?
A direct transfer from your IRA to a charity for donors 70½+. Up to $105,000/year, satisfies RMD, doesn't count as income.
Can I name Feed America as retirement-account beneficiary?
Yes — strongly recommended. Retirement accounts are the most tax-efficient asset to leave to charity.
Do I need to notify Feed America?
Not required. Appreciated if you do (email donations@feedam.org) so we can acknowledge properly. Bequest intentions are confidential + revocable — update any time.