For donors aged 70-1/2 and older in the United States, a QCD is a convenient and tax-smart way to support Cultural Survival, especially for those who do not itemize charitable donations on their federal tax return.

Federal tax law permits an individual to give up to $108,000* per year to Cultural Survival and/or other qualified charities directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) without the amount being treated as taxable income. The withdrawal can be counted towards your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA.  Please  note that to qualify as a QCD, the gift must come directly from your IRA custodian, rather than withdrawn to your bank account. 

*Maximum for 2025 – this amount may increase in future years.

Ask your IRA custodian to send the check, along with your name and address, to:

Cultural Survival, Inc.
2067 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Attn: IRA Distribution

Our Tax ID # is 23-7182593 

Please plan well in advance of December 31. We also suggest that you notify us when you request a QCD as many financial institutions do not include the donor name with the check.

Questions about making a QCD to Cultural Survival?

Please reach out to Miranda Vitello, Development Coordinator, at [email protected] or by phone at 617-441-5400 x18. 

Thank you

To all of our donors and supporters, we share this message of thanks received from Quilombola leader Angela Souza, after an effective week of advocacy at the OECD on behalf of her community in Brazil:

“To Cultural Survival, dear partners in struggles and joys, thank you for the laughter and challenges we shared, thank you for your support and many displays of care. I am grateful for the opportunities we shared. May we make this trench of struggles lighter, may we love ourselves first and always, so that we will be able to love others. Take care of yourself, take care of the path you have taken or the one that is yet to come. Let us choose to stand alongside the most affected in order to make a difference. And if misfortune arises, may it add to our ability to overcome challenges and increase our faith. Thank you for making us better and happier, and for embracing our valley with such dedication. No words can describe such gratitude.”

Please talk with your tax advisor or other financial professional to determine whether a QCD could benefit you. Some states have a state income tax and will include the transfer as income.