Using An IRA Gift To Become A Partner

Trish Estes remembers first learning about Zoe Empowers from a friend of her pastor. Drawn to Zoe's model of empowerment that helps youth become self-sufficient, she began giving monthly-and has continued for over a decade.

In 2023, Trish traveled to Tanzania to see the program firsthand.

"Seeing the transformation with my own eyes made me realize just how powerful this model is," she shared.

When she returned home, Trish partnered with a half group of young people-funded through an IRA rollover gift. For those 70½ or older, a donation made directly from your IRA can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and may lower your taxable income.

And while she thought she would only visit Africa once in her life, her new partnership with a group changed her mind. She traveled to Kenya in late 2025 and had the opportunity to meet her very own group, Favour Mikinduri.

Her generosity continues to ripple. Not only does she continue to give, but she's become an ambassador, encouraging friends and family to give to Zoe Empowers as well.