An Absolute Win-Win
Couple Supports Nonprofits on Give to Lincoln Day Through IRA Distribution
Craig and Devon Ames both grew up amidst a spirit of generosity – always aspiring to an attitude and heart that are open to helping others.
“Devon and I believe you find joy in giving, seeing how you can use your time, talent, and treasure to support your community,” said Craig.
In fact, Craig remembers his mother sitting down on a Saturday night, stuffing cash into an envelope for the offering plate on Sunday morning.
Craig and Devon Ames
“Devon and I have been married for 50 years, but we both grew up in households that modeled the spirit of philanthropy, and we have never forgotten how our parents showcased those lessons,” he said.
Craig and Devon are drawn to the Lincoln Community Foundation’s annual Give to Lincoln Day event in May because it is such a meaningful opportunity. Last year’s event raised a record-breaking $8 million to help support 479 local nonprofits that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County.
“It is a great event, and its success has grown so much in the amount raised and number of participating organizations, and the match that the Foundation and their sponsors provide,” Craig said.
Devon and Craig first met as college students at Wheaton College, just outside Chicago. Eventually, Craig enrolled in the Army ROTC and served in Vietnam, while Devon taught high school. Upon returning from the service, Craig used the GI Bill to earn his master’s in hospital administration. After first working in Minneapolis, the Ames's moved to Lincoln, and Craig took a position at Bryan Hospital in 1988.
Craig and Devon had two children when they moved to Lincoln, and they found it to be a wonderful place to balance family and work. “Lincoln’s such a big small town, a state capital, with a university, parks, and cultural events.”
Craig served as Chief Operating Officer at Bryan until his retirement in 2009 but wasn’t ready to play golf every day. Instead, he volunteers, serves on a variety of community boards, and has focused on giving back to the community.
Give to Lincoln Day: May 24, 2023
Devon and Craig encourage people to support Give to Lincoln Day by exploring all the possible philanthropic tools available now. He and Devon have chosen to distribute a portion of their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for the giving day, using what is called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
Craig explained that the federal government requires you to withdraw and pay taxes on a portion of your IRA when you reach a certain age. However, by using a QCD, those funds can be transferred directly to charitable organizations without paying taxes on the amount transferred.
“It’s kind of a no-brainer,” Craig said. “You support something you care about and reduce your tax burden. We give money to charity, and we save on taxes, and we also support a cause dear to us. It’s an absolute win-win, such a great deal.”
Participate in Give to Lincoln Day via IRA QCDs
When you reach age 70½, the federal government requires you to withdraw or distribute a portion of your IRA investment and consequently pay taxes on the amount withdrawn. By using a QCD to support a qualified charity, those funds are transferred directly to that charitable organization, tax-free.
Craig Ames has used a QCD for Give to Lincoln Day. This year’s Give to Lincoln Day is Wednesday, May 24. Join Lincoln’s one big day of giving by using QCD from your IRA to support your favorite registered nonprofits.
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3…
Contact your IRA administrator about your annual distributions. Decide your total donation for Give to Lincoln Day this year.
Request your IRA administrator distribute an IRA QCD directly to Lincoln Community Foundation, mailing the distribution to the Foundation at 215 Centennial Mall South, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68508. Please request your IRA administrator to include your name on the check.
Complete the Lincoln Community Foundation form for IRA QCD gifts, listing the amount for each nonprofit you wish to support, and return it to the Lincoln Community Foundation by May 12. This form is available at LCF.org, or by contacting the Foundation.
For more information and other examples of ways you can use a Qualified Charitable Distribution to achieve your charitable goals, contact Diane Mendenhall at 402-474-2345 or dianem@lcf.org.