Giving today can have an immediate impact, helping the Alzheimer's Association fund research, education, advocacy, care and support for people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. These gifts are simple to arrange and may offer tax benefits.

Ways to give now

Cash gifts

What it is: A direct gift of money — by check, credit card or online donation.
Why it's easy: It's the most common and convenient way to give.
Benefits to you: You may qualify for an income tax deduction in the year the gift is made.

Learn more: Cash Gifts

Gifts of appreciated assets

What it is: A donation of stocks, bonds, mutual funds or cryptocurrency that has increased in value.
Why it's smart: Appreciated assets that have increased greatly in value may be more valuable when left to the Alzheimer's Association, as charities pay no taxes.
Benefits to you: You may avoid capital gains tax and receive a deduction based on the full fair market value of the asset.

Learn more: Stocks, Bonds and Other Investment Assets

Gifts from donor-advised funds (DAF)

What it is: A DAF lets you recommend grants to the Alzheimer's Association from a personal giving account you've already funded.
Why it's flexible: You can recommend a grant at any time and include your loved ones in the process to create a family legacy of giving.
Benefits to you: You receive a tax deduction when you contribute to the fund, rather than when the grant is made.

Learn more: Donor-Advised Funds

IRA qualified charitable distribution (QCD)

What it is: If you're 70.5 years of age or older, you can give directly from your IRA to the Alzheimer's Association — up to $111,000* annually — without it counting as taxable income. You can also make a one-time, tax-free QCD of up to $55,000* to fund a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust for you and a spouse. *as of January 2026
Why it's powerful: It could satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD) and may lower your taxes.
Benefits to you: Your generosity will help us now, and you may eliminate the tax burden for your heirs, as IRAs can be taxed at high rates.

Learn more: Retirement Accounts

Gifts of real estate

What it is: Donating land, a home, rental property and other real estate.
Why it matters: Donating property you no longer need or want that's appreciated significantly can make a big impact on the future of Alzheimer's research without affecting your day-to-day finances.
Benefits to you: You may avoid capital gains tax and receive a substantial charitable deduction, plus donating real estate relieves you of ownership responsibilities.

Learn more: Real Estate

Leave a legacy gift for future generations

A planned gift allows you to make a lasting impact without affecting your finances today. These legacy gifts are meaningful, flexible and often relatively easy to set up. Most importantly, they help ensure that future generations will benefit from the progress you helped make possible with your generous gift.

Gift in your will or trust

What it is: A gift made through your will or living trust, called a bequest, that names the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary.
Why it's popular: It's one of the easiest and most flexible ways to leave a legacy.
Benefits to you: It's a gift that costs you nothing today and will help us fund research and vital services for future generations.

Learn more: Will or Living Trust

Beneficiary designations on IRA, 401k, life insurance, bank or investment accounts

What it is: You name the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary of all or part of your retirement plan, life insurance policy or financial account.
Why it's simple: You simply complete a form with your account administrator. The financial institution or insurance company will administer their own paperwork to complete your beneficiary designations. Check with an advisor or your account administrator for requirements.
Benefits to you: You may be able to bypass probate, changes can be made easily, and you may reduce taxes on your retirement assets.

Learn more: Beneficiary Designations

Gifts of life insurance

What it is: You donate a life insurance policy you no longer need or name the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary.
Why it's meaningful: A small policy can make a big impact.
Benefits to you: You may receive a charitable deduction if you transfer ownership of the policy during your lifetime.

Learn more: Life Insurance

Payable on death (POD) or transfer on death (TOD) accounts

What it is: You designate the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary of a bank account or investment account that transfers upon your passing.
Why it's easy: You complete a form with your account administrator at your financial institution.
Benefits to you: No need to change your will and these accounts avoid probate.

Gifts of real estate by bequest

What it is: You designate a home, land, or other property to benefit the Alzheimer's Association after your lifetime.
Why it's powerful: A valuable asset becomes a lasting legacy.
Benefits to you: Retain use of the property during your lifetime while creating an impact in the future.

Learn more: Real Estate

Gifts that pay you income

These planned gifts allow you to support the Alzheimer's Association while receiving regular income during your lifetime. These gifts offer a meaningful way to give while helping you meet your personal financial goals — such as income stability, tax savings or caring for loved ones.

Charitable gift annuity (CGA)

What it is: If you are 65 or older, you make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association and in return receive fixed payments for life. After your lifetime, the remaining amount goes toward vital research, care and support.
Why it's reliable: You receive predictable income that never changes, no matter what's happening in the financial markets.
Benefits to you:

• Lifetime income for you or another person you choose.
• Minimum of $10,000 and 65 years of age.
• You may receive a partial charitable tax deduction and a portion of the income may be tax-free.
• No setup or ongoing costs to manage the annuity.
• Your gift is irrevocable, protecting your future gift to the Alzheimer's Association.

Learn more: Charitable Gift Annuity

Charitable remainder trust (CRT)

What it is: After working with your lawyer to set up a trust, you transfer assets like cash, stocks or real estate into a trust that pays you or someone you choose income payments for life or a term of years. Afterward, the remainder goes to the Alzheimer's Association.
Why it's flexible: Income can be fixed or variable based on the type of trust you choose to create.
Benefits to you:

• Income for life or a set term.
• Avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated trust assets.
• Receive a charitable deduction when you make your gift.
• Your gift is irrevocable, protecting your future gift to the Alzheimer's Association.

Learn more: Charitable Remainder Trust

Charitable Lead Trust (CLT)

What it is: You work with your lawyer to create a trust that pays income to the Alzheimer's Association for a set number of years, after which the remaining assets go to your chosen individual beneficiaries.
Why it's strategic: It allows you to support the Alzheimer's Association now and transfer assets to family later.
Benefits to you:

• Potentially reduce estate and gift taxes.
• Immediate impact on the charity.
• Preserves wealth for the next generation.
• Your gift is irrevocable, protecting your current giving to the Alzheimer's Association.

Learn more: Charitable Lead Trust