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Ways to Give

Thank you for supporting Jewish life at Princeton University. Your philanthropic giving enables Center for Jewish Life (CJL)/Princeton Hillel to empower students to ignite their passions, activate the community, and engage the world around them. CJL is an independent 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Outright Gifts

To make a gift to support Jewish students at Princeton today, make a secure online gift.

To make your gift by mail, send a check payable to “Center for Jewish Life at CJL” – Attn. Robin Rudofker, 70 Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Stock/Securities

Making a gift of appreciated securities is an easy way to support the CJL and receive multiple special tax benefits.

Qualified Charitable Distribution (IRA)

If you are age 70½ or older, making a gift from your IRA can be both simple and beneficial. CJL is an approved nonprofit by the IRS and can be a recipient of our your QCD. The annual limit for 2025 QCDs is $108,000 per person ($216,000 per couple).

Frequently Asked Questions – Qualified Charitable Distributions

What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) “aka” Charitable IRA Rollover?

A transfer from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) owned by an individual age 70½ or older paid directly to a “qualified” charity. Unlike other withdrawals from an IRA, there is no income tax due on a QCD withdrawal. The annual limit for 2025 QCDs is $108,000 per person ($216,000 per couple).

Is an income tax deduction available with a QCD?

Donors may not claim the distribution as an itemized charitable tax deduction.

Are funds held in 401k, 403b, 457, Keogh or ESOP eligible for a QCD?

No. However, it may be possible to transfer or rollover funds from a non-IRA-qualified retirement plan to an IRA.

Are there limits on the QCD amount?

An IRA administrator may set a minimum transfer amount. The current $105,000 maximum per person QCD allowed by the IRS adjusts annually for inflation. A married couple with separate IRAs may each transfer up to the maximum amount annually. QCDs at Hillel International usually range from $18 (although it’s permissible to give less) to the maximum amount.

Are there any restrictions on a QCD?

A QCD is only eligible at age 70½ or older for direct transfer to a 501c3 charitable organization and cannot be given:

to a Donor Advised Fund, supporting organization, or private foundation;
in exchange for benefits such as tickets to an event, membership, etc.

What type of gift acknowledgment is expected from a qualified charitable organization?

Confirmation that no goods or services were received in exchange for the gift + a statement that the gift is an IRA QCD.

How is a QCD reported on an income tax return?

A QCD is reported by the IRA custodian as a normal distribution on IRS Form 1099-R for any non-inherited IRAs. A taxpayer reports a QCD on IRS Form 1040 tax, generally the full amount of the charitable distribution on the line for IRA distributions. On the line for the taxable amount, donors enter zero if the full amount was a QCD. “QCD” is added next to this line. It is important for donors to keep the charity’s gift acknowledgment letter for their tax records.

What options are available to make a QCD?

IRA administrators may authorize online, check writing, telephone, and other written requests to process a QCD.

What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)? What age must an IRA owner take a RMD?

RMDs are withdrawals required by federal law from most retirement plans (except Roth IRAs) at age 73. The RMD amount depends on the account balance and the owner’s life expectancy. RMDs must be taken by December 31, although more time is provided in the first RMD year. A QCD counts toward the RMD.

Donor Advised Funds (DAF)

In the wake of recent changes to tax deductions on charitable giving, it may be in your benefit to utilize a DAF for your philanthropic support. Your charitable giving likely goes to organizations that need annual support, but it may not be fiscally right for you to donate every year. Consideration of a DAF could provide the right flexibility to support the organization when they need it most.

You can make your grant recommendation through your Donor Advised Fund to Hillel The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life Princeton University (dba Center for Jewish Life-Princeton Hillel) using our Tax ID: # 22-6071127.

Matching Gifts

Does your employer offer a matching gift program? If so, this option can double or possibly triple your contribution to the CJL. For details about matching gifts, please visit the University website.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome and appreciated. Please feel free to contact our Director of Institutional Advancement, Robin Rudofker.