Ways to Give

We know you Love Parks – and we believe that Seattle’s parks and public spaces are special because they’re people powered. There are so many ways to contribute your time, talent and treasure to Seattle Parks Foundation.

Want to give in another way? Contact us at donations@seattleparksfoundation.org.

Mail a check

To make a donation by mail, please send a check payable to Seattle Parks Foundation to:

PO Box 3541
Seattle, WA 98124-3541

If your gift is intended for one of our community partners, please add their name in the memo line or with an accompanying note.

A tax receipt will be mailed to you upon receipt of your contribution.

Thank you!

Donate appreciated stock

Making a stock gift to Seattle Parks Foundation is easy.

When you donate stock that has appreciated for more than 12 months, you are able to avoid capital gains taxes, and donate up to 20% more to Seattle Parks Foundation!

Simply follow these steps to facilitate the transfer of shares:

  1. Provide your broker with the following information:
    -Bank Name: Bank of New York Mellon
    -Account Name: Seattle Parks Foundation
    -Depository Trust Company (DTC) Participant Number: 8275
    -Agent Bank Number: 60916
    -Reference/FFC: 10380476500 Seattle Parks Foundation-IMA-GIFT
    -Seattle Parks Foundation Tax ID: 91-1998597
  2. Remind your broker to include your name, contact information, and any special instructions for use of the gift with your transfer.
  3. Contact us at donations@seattleparksfoundation.org with information about the type of stock you’re giving and number of shares, as well as any special considerations you may have.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Consult your financial institution to determine which options are best for you and your family, and to maximize the tax advantages of your gift.

Donating IRA Funds

Donating funds from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to a qualified charity is a tax-savvy way to support your favorite causes, especially for those over a certain age. This method, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) or IRA Charitable Rollover, offers several benefits:

  • Tax-Free Transfers: If you’re 70 ½ or older, you can transfer up to $108,000 per year directly from your IRA to an eligible charity, like SPF, without including the distribution in your taxable income.
  • Satisfies Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): For those 73 or older and subject to RMDs, a QCD can satisfy all or part of your annual RMD obligation.
  • Doesn’t Require Itemizing: This strategy allows you to benefit from charitable giving even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax return.
  • Reduces Taxable Income: By excluding the QCD from your gross income, you can lower your overall taxable income, potentially reducing your Medicare premiums and the amount of Social Security benefits subject to tax.
  • Potential for Larger Donations: The current limit for QCDs is per individual ($108,000 in 2025, indexed for inflation), so married couples can give up to $216,000 per year combined if both spouses meet the age and IRA requirements.

Eligibility

  • Age: You must be 70 ½ years or older at the time the distribution is made.
  • Qualified Charity: The recipient must be an eligible 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations to donor-advised funds, private foundations, or supporting organizations generally do not qualify for QCD treatment.
  • Direct Transfer: The funds must be transferred directly from your IRA custodian to the qualified charity.
  • No Benefits Received: You cannot receive any goods or services in return for the contribution to qualify for tax-free treatment.
  • Timing is crucial! To count towards the current tax year, your QCD must be processed by your IRA custodian and received by the charity before December 31st.

Next Steps

  1. Contact Your IRA Custodian: Inform your IRA administrator of your intention to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution and instruct them to transfer the desired amount directly to Seattle Parks Foundation. Provide our Tax ID: 91-1998597 and mailing address: Seattle Parks Foundation, PO Box 3541, Seattle, WA 98124-3541
  2. Provide Your Contact Information: Ensure the IRA custodian includes your full name and mailing address, and indicates that the transfer is a QCD, so the charity can properly acknowledge the gift. Indicate the purpose of the gift (greatest need or for a specific partner)
  3. Get a Receipt: Once the transfer is received, Seattle Parks Foundation will provide a written acknowledgment confirming the date and amount of the contribution and stating that no goods or services were received in return
  4. Report on Your Tax Return: When filing your tax return, include the total IRA distribution on Line 4a, exclude the QCD amount on Line 4b, and write “QCD” next to Line 4b.

Donate Your Car

Have an old car taking up space in your driveway?

Donate it to Seattle Parks Foundation!

We accept most cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment, and other motorized vehicles. All or part of your donation may be tax deductible.

To get started, simply complete the online donation form or call 855.500.7433 or 855.500.RIDE to speak to a representative. You can also read more at careasy.org.

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