Many organizations, including The College of New Jersey and Overlook Hospital Foundation in Summit, N.J., state clearly in marketing materials that benefits apply only at the federal level.
"We find many of our donors are willing to pay the small price that this might increase their income taxes to reduce the assets held in a retirement plan," says Kenneth Cole, senior director at Overlook. "In some cases, IRA assets are the only funds they have to make a charitable gift."
Other charities have steered clear of handing out financial advice altogether.
"Legally and ethically we can't put ourselves in the position to dispense financial advice," says Ted Mills, associate director of gift planning at Princeton University. "We tell our donors twice or even three times to review any important decisions with financial advisers."
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