Get Involved - Donor FAQs

1. Why should I support the Museum of Durham History?

Your generosity helps us preserve, interpret, and share Durham’s stories—past and present. With your support, we create engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community conversations that make local history accessible to everyone.

 2. What types of gifts does the Museum accept?

As a registered 501-c-3 nonprofit organization, we welcome many forms of charitable giving, including:

  • Cash donations (Cash, Check, Credit Card, Bank Draft, Venmo, PayPal)
  • Appreciated stock or securities
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs
  • Donor-advised fund (DAF) grants
  • Gifts/grants from family or community foundations
  • Employer matching gifts
  • Planned gifts such as bequests, retirement accounts, or life insurance beneficiary designations

Note: Starting in 2026, non-itemizers may deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) for cash donations to operating charities. Contributions to donor-advised funds are not eligible.

3. Why become a monthly donor?

Monthly gifts provide steady, reliable support that helps us plan ahead and deepen our impact.

Benefits of monthly giving:

  • Sustained impact: Supports exhibits, programs, and storytelling year-round
  • Community connection: Strengthens our ability to amplify local voices
  • Accessible giving: Small monthly gifts add up over time and are easier on your budget

 4. What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?

If you are age 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to a qualified public charity like the Museum of Durham History.

  • Direct up to $111,000 per year (2026) from your IRA
  • Excluded from your taxable income
  • Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) if you are 73 or older
  • Provides an “above-the-line” tax benefit—no need to itemize deductions

Married couples filing jointly may direct up to $222,000 per year using separate IRAs.

Note: QCDs cannot be made to donor-advised funds.

5. Can I satisfy my IRS Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) with a charitable gift?

Yes. A QCD can satisfy all or part of your annual RMD while lowering your taxable income and supporting the Museum’s mission.

6. What if I have appreciated assets?

If you’re considering selling appreciated publicly traded securities, real estate, or other noncash assets, you may want to donate the assets directly instead.

  • You can generally avoid capital gains tax on assets held longer than one year
  • You may deduct the full fair market value of the asset
  • Your gift can have a greater impact at a lower after-tax cost

Donating appreciated assets is a tax-efficient way to give while avoiding capital gains taxes.

7. Can charitable giving reduce taxes on retirement account withdrawals?

Yes. Charitable gifts—especially QCDs—can help reduce taxable income from withdrawals and potentially lower your taxable estate, benefiting both you and your heirs.

8. How can I include the Museum of Durham History in my estate plans?

  • A bequest in your will or trust
  • A gift of a percentage of your estate or a specific asset
  • Naming the Museum as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
  • An IRA charitable rollover
  • A Charitable Remainder Trust can provide donor income and a charitable gift to a qualified charity.

Planned gifts help ensure Durham’s stories are preserved for generations to come.

With your generosity, we can continue to celebrate the stories that shape our community—and make history accessible for all.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Tax and charitable giving rules are complex and depend on individual circumstances. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor, financial planner, or attorney.

For more information about giving options, please contact Treat Harvey, Director of Development, tharvey@modh.org, (919) 246.9993, ext. 4