Charitable Giving Guide: Tax-Smart Ways to Support Seattle Mountain Rescue

At Seattle Mountain Rescue, every mission, every training, and every deployment is made possible through the generosity of our community.

Many supporters choose to give through traditional cash donations—but there are also powerful, tax-efficient ways to support Seattle Mountain Rescue while maximizing the impact of your contribution. Whether you are planning your annual charitable giving, reviewing your investments, or preparing for retirement distributions, the following giving strategies may allow you to support lifesaving mountain rescue operations while also providing meaningful tax advantages:

  • Donate Appreciated Stock
  • Give Through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
  • Leave a Legacy of Lifesaving – Estate Planning
  • Washington State Combined Fund Drive (CFD)

Download Charitable Giving Strategies to Support Seattle Mountain Rescue

Ways To Donate to A Nonprofit

One of the most tax-efficient ways to support Seattle Mountain Rescue is by donating appreciated stock.

By donating stock directly to SMR instead of selling it first, you may be able to:

  • Avoid capital gains taxes
  • Receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value (if eligible)
  • Make a larger impact with your donation

This strategy can be especially beneficial for long-held investments that have increased in value over time. By donating appreciated securities directly to SMR:

  • You avoid paying taxes on the appreciation
  • SMR receives the full value of the donated stock
  • Your contribution directly supports rescue readiness and lifesaving response operations

For stock transfer instructions, please contact Seattle Mountain Rescue at: development@seattlemountainrescue.org

Give Through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that allows you to contribute cash, stocks, or other assets and receive an immediate tax deduction.  You can provide grants from your DAF to Seattle Mountain Rescue at any time.

Benefits of DAF giving may include:

  • Immediate tax benefits
  • Flexible charitable planning
  • Tax-free growth of charitable assets
  • Simplified giving administration

DAFs are especially useful for donors who:

  • Experience unusually high-income years
  • Want to bunch charitable deductions
  • Prefer long-term charitable planning
  • Already maintain accounts with organizations like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or Vanguard Charitable

If you already have a DAF, supporting Seattle Mountain Rescue at any time is simple and efficient. Our EIN is: 91-6049880.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are age 70½ or older and have a Traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) may offer a powerful way to support Seattle Mountain Rescue.

A QCD allows eligible donors to transfer funds directly from an IRA to a qualified nonprofit organization such as SMR.

Potential benefits may include:

  • Avoiding additional taxable IRA withdrawal income
  • Satisfying Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
  • Supporting causes you care deeply about

For many retirees, QCDs are one of the most tax-efficient charitable giving strategies available.

Leave a Legacy of Lifesaving – Estate Planning

By including Seattle Mountain Rescue in your estate plans, you can help ensure that future generations of rescuers remain ready to answer the call whenever someone needs help in the mountains. A legacy gift is a powerful way to reflect your values and make a lasting difference for the people and places you love.

Ways to include SMR in your legacy planning may include:

  • Naming Seattle Mountain Rescue in your will or living trust
  • Designating SMR as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
  • Leaving a percentage of your estate to support future rescue operations
  • Creating a charitable legacy that reflects your passion for the outdoors and helping others

Legacy gifts of all sizes help sustain volunteer rescue readiness, advanced training, mountain safety education, responder wellness, and lifesaving search and rescue operations for years to come.

If you have already included Seattle Mountain Rescue in your estate plans, we would be honored to thank you and recognize your commitment to the future of mountain rescue.

Washington State Combined Fund Drive

Seattle Mountain Rescue is proud to participate in the Washington State Combined Fund Drive, Washington’s workplace-giving program for active and retired public employees. (Charity #2006861)

State and higher-education employees can support Seattle Mountain Rescue through convenient payroll contributions, while retirees may continue or manage recurring donations through the CFD. Even a modest contribution from each paycheck can provide dependable, year-round support for the training, equipment, technology, and operational readiness our volunteers need to respond when the call comes.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Donations help Seattle Mountain Rescue:

  • Respond to emergencies 24/7
  • Train highly skilled volunteer rescuers
  • Invest in lifesaving rescue technology
  • Support crisis response canine teams
  • Purchase specialized medical and rescue equipment
  • Continue serving the outdoor community free of charge

Every mission is powered by volunteers and supported by people who believe in helping others when things go wrong in the backcountry.

For additional information about charitable giving strategies, visit Avier Wealth Advisors Tax Efficient Giving to Boost Your Philanthropic Impact

Important Disclaimer: Seattle Mountain Rescue does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Please consult your financial, tax, or legal advisor regarding your individual situation and the potential