Note: the previous QR code is no longer active. We plan to subscribe to the new “Cheddar Up” app with MOAA once the “bugs” are worked out. Expect to see updates in future chapter newsletters–perhaps in the Spring.

The Cheddar Up app  will allow the chapter to:

• Customize receipts to include membership information

• Send messages with dues or event reminders, etc.

• Set up for recurring payments/auto renew

• Create discount codes to promote membership

• Include a link to make donations to the chapter

• Let members order meal selection or purchase tickets in advance of meetings and events

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NOTE: Your Columbia River MOAA Foundation (CRMF)  is a qualified 501(c)3 public non profit charity, so donations to the CRMF qualify for the “above the line” deductions mentioned in #3 below. These donations reduce your AGI on the front side of your IRS Form 1040 thereby lowering your taxes.  A WIN-WIN for YOU and the CRMF!  We recommend consulting your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.

Some Regular & Some Unique Ways to Donate

by Dave Casteel, CRMF President (e-mail CRMFpresident@comcast.net)

Updated January 2025

There are many ways to make donations to the CRMF, some are common, well known and used, and some perhaps less known.

This list is not meant to be all inclusive as there might be other ways to donate.

1. Cash (or check). Probably the most widely used method.

2. Linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the CRMF (see below)

3. Using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA as part of your RMD. Benefit: QCD’s reduce the AGI on the front of your IRS Form 1040 by the amount of your QCD.

4. Donating appreciated securities held at least one year directly to the CRMF. We now have a Vanguard CRMF Brokerage Account. This means donors avoid paying capital gains on the value of these shares. Both the donor and the charity benefit if securities are held long term. Contact me for account number and details if you are interested.

5. Leaving a bequest. This is as simple as listing the Columbia River MOAA Foundation (CRMF) in a person’s will as a charitable beneficiary. It is also helpful to list our EIN (47-4776049).

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our Support The Troops or Scholarship funds you should make your donations payable to “Columbia River MOAA Foundation” or “CRMF.” Note, if tax deductibility is not a concern for you, you may still combine your donations with your dues check and our chapter treasurer will forward them to the CRMF treasurer. Please indicate which fund you desire your donation to go towards. Either way, 100% of your donations will go to the Support The Troops or Scholarship Funds.

You can make donations to the CRMF at any Chapter Business Meeting or by mailing your donation to the chapter mail address (ATTN: CRMF  P.O. Box 1872, Vancouver, WA 98668) or by clicking on the URL in the “How to Donate” tab.  Questions about stock donations or bequests should be directed to the CRMF President (contact info on website and newsletter).

Our Federal EIN is 47-4776049. Our Washington State UBI is 603-536-781. We are incorporated with the Washington Secretary of State and Department of Charities. Our Washington Charitable registration number is 37632.

Besides cash/check,

How to donate via Fred Meyer Rewards

How to Earn Cash $$$ Rewards for Yourself

AND

the Columbia River MOAA Foundation (CRMF) 

1. Go to fredmeyer.com

2. Select the Rewards tab and scroll down to Fred Meyer Community Rewards

3. Scroll down to (and click on) “re-enroll or link your Rewards Card now”

4. Sign in to your account using the user name and password you set up when you received your Rewards Card (or click “forgot password”).

5. A screen will appear entitled “Find Your Organization.” In the box that asks you to enter “your organization’s number or at least 3 letters of the organizations name,” enter “Columbia River MOAA Foundation” then click search

6. When the search finds the Columbia River MOAA Foundation simply click on the “O” in front of Columbia River MOAA Foundation #81245

7. Then click “enroll”

8. When you shop, use your phone number as your alternate ID and YOU and the Columbia River MOAA Foundation BOTH receive cash rewards.

Don’t have a Fred Meyer Rewards card? Go to any Fred Meyer Customer Service Counter and sign up. Ask if they can enroll you in the Community Rewards Program when you get your card.

It’s quick and easy. The best part is YOU AND the Columbia River MOAA Foundation will both earn $$$ when you tell the clerk your Rewards (phone) number at check out. You will earn your full normal rewards AND Fred Meyer will donate money to the Columbia River MOAA Foundation quarterly.

We currently have 12 families who have their Fred Meyer Rewards cards linked to the CRMF and we want to invite YOU to do so as well.

Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

from your RMD

You can also donate through your IRA if you are taking distributions (e.g.,RMD) AND REDUCE YOUR ADJUSTABLE GROSS INCOME BY THE AMOUNT OF YOUR QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION AT THE SAME TIME! 

To make a Qualified Charitable Distribution: 

1. Contact your IRA administrator: You can call your IRA custodian, like Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard.

2. Instruct them to make a QCD: and send it directly to us at

Columbia River MOAA Foundation (CRMF)

P.O. Box 1872, Vancouver, WA 98668

1. Complete the QCD form: You may need to complete a distribution form or rollover gift initiation form.

2. Send the form to your IRA administrator: They can then send the money directly to the Columbia River MOAA Foundation (CRMF)

3. Report the QCD on your taxes: You’ll receive a Form 1099-R from your IRA administrator.

4. Keep your receipts: You can use these to substantiate your tax benefit if the IRS audits you.

Limitations