Transform Your Giving

Smart Giving Guide

Be smart, give strategically to Seed Savers Exchange.

The impact of your gift

Your generosity drives our mission. With every gift, you’re supporting the preservation and stewardship of rare, open-pollinated garden varieties. Join our community of innovative givers today and make an enduring impact. With Smart Giving, your generosity reaches further. Begin (or continue) your giving journey with us today.

Smart Giving

Smart Giving opens up a new frontier of charitable contributions. This includes giving through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and stock gifts. Each offering brings unique tax advantages, allowing you to magnify your impact on our mission while optimizing your financial strategy.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from your IRA to a nonprofit, counted towards your required minimum distributions for the year, without treating the distribution as taxable income. This option is available to people over the age of 70 ½.

To make a QCD: Contact your financial institution and request a QCD distribution to be made to Seed Savers Exchange, Inc., Tax ID Number 43-1214133. Notify SSE staff of your gift.

Donor-Advised Funds

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is like your own charitable savings account. You contribute to the fund as frequently as you like and then recommend grants to nonprofits like ours, all while potentially earning immediate tax benefits.

To give from your DAF: Contact your DAF and request a gift to be made to Seed Savers Exchange, Inc., Tax ID, Number 43-1214133.

Stock Gifts

Donating appreciated stocks can provide substantial support to our cause and potentially help you avoid capital gains taxes and claim a tax deduction based on the full market value of your stocks.

To donate stocks: Please notify SSE staff of your gift of stock and request giving instructions. These instructions will be helpful before contacting your financial institution.

To learn more about Smart Giving options and how they can benefit you and Seed Savers Exchange, please reach out to our team.

Cindy Goodner
Development Director
(563) 387-5670
[email protected] 

Please consult with your tax advisor or financial professional before making a decision about Smart Giving. Your philanthropy is deeply personal and unique, and we want to ensure you are fully informed about your giving options.