We received a lot of e-mails this past week regarding a feature of the new Pension Protection Act allowing you to donate from your IRA account.   Sorry, you have to be at least 70 1/2 for these "qualified charitable contributions".  The Washington Post explains charitable giving from the IRA.

The day after someone turns 70 1/2, he can donate up to $100,000 in what would have been taxable income from an individual retirement account without having to pay tax on that money. The recipient must be a public charity, not a private one such as a family foundation. The gift must be made directly from the IRA to the charity; it may not pass through the account holder's hands, because if it does -- even for a second -- the money will count as income. Although the donation does not count as taxable income for the year, the money can be counted toward the amount a person must withdraw each year after the age of 70 1/2 from a traditional IRA to avoid penalties.