Meet Dani

Dani Richter, Director of Philanthropy at the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, has been helping Floridians make an impact for the past five years. A Tampa Bay native, Dani grew up fishing its waters and developed a lifelong love for Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. She now combines her expertise in philanthropy with her passion for conservation and is excited to answer your questions. Contact her at [email protected].

April 2025

Dear Dani,

I’m feeling the tax season stress and wondering—is there any way to make it feel a little less painful? Can giving to a cause I care about, like Florida wildlife, actually help at tax time?

— Last-Minute Filer
Tampa, FL

Dear Last-Minute Filer,

Oh, I feel you! Nothing like a looming April 15 deadline to make us all question life choices and our filing system. But here’s the good news: yes, your love for wild Florida can help ease the tax-time blues.

If you’re over 70½, one of the best-kept secrets is the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA. It lets you transfer up to $100,000 directly to a nonprofit like the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida—without paying income tax on it. It can even count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). Talk about a win-win.

Not quite 70½? Don’t worry—you’ve still got options. Gifts of appreciated stock or mutual funds can also offer big tax perks by avoiding capital gains taxes. And if you’re doing a little financial spring cleaning, now’s a great time to check your beneficiary designations. Adding the Foundation as a partial beneficiary on a retirement account or life insurance policy won’t cost you anything now, but it can make a lasting impact later.

The bottom line? Giving back to Florida’s wildlife doesn’t just feel good—it’s smart planning. If you need help figuring out what works best for your situation, I’m here and happy to help.

Warmly,
Dani