Learn How Your IRA Can Help Us Create Brighter Futures

The legacy of the founding mothers is an important part of Ability Connection Colorado’s history, and we have shared that story often. You have heard us tell the story of the seven mothers who in 1946 met to form a Mother’s Club, because they refused to institutionalize their children. Instead, they “dared to dream of a better life for their disabled children.” Seventy years ago, the founding mothers sought ways to pull their children out of isolation and provide opportunities for a quality life. They built opportunities for engagement for their children through education, creating work opportunities, and bringing together “parents and friends throughout the state for assurance and guidance in the development of disabled children.”

Today, the disability movement is about inclusion. Inclusion in education and employment matters, and research has shown that everyone benefits when everyone is included. Colorado families still need support to access the resources necessary so their children may have an opportunity for a quality life. Ability Connection Colorado offers education, employment and statewide support services to create change for families across Colorado.

The faces of the thousands and thousands of adults and children with disabilities inspire and remind us about the work that has been accomplished, and the work that is still left for us to do. We serve over 33,000 Coloradans each year. Yet, there are so many more in need of our programs.

We are so thankful for an incredible community of supporters who have climbed with us, and helped us – and the Coloradans we serve every year – grow stronger. You have been instrumental in growing our organization. Now, we need your help to ensure that ACCO will be around for generations to come.

Using Your IRA as a Donation to Ability Connection Colorado

Did you know that you can make a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from an IRA?

With the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, the QCD rules have finally been made permanent, making it easier to engage in proactive charitable giving strategies that help to minimize the tax bite of an IRA’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations.

Not all non-profit organizations qualify for QCD. The good news is that Ability Connection Colorado, Inc. (ACCO) does qualify for contributions! ACCO has earned Colorado’s trust for over 75 years and ensures that .89 cents on every dollar directly supports the programs helping Coloradans thrive.

The Requirements of QCD

• You must be 70 ½ years of age
• You can give up to $100,000 annually and will count towards your Required Minimum Distribution
• The check must be made payable directly to the charitable entity (though the check payable to the charity can be sent to the IRA owner and forwarded on to the charity)
• Remember to check with your tax adviser to be certain that making an IRA contribution is right for you.

Taking Action

There are two ways that you can use your IRA. You can request a rollover IRA and make ACCO the beneficiary, or you can request a direct a one-time or multiple contribution(s) to ACCO. Here are two sample letters that will help you instruct your IRA administrator or financial adviser. Remember to check with a tax consultant about the best strategy for you.

Sample Letter #1

Sample Letter # 2