RMD Withdrawal

My IRA is with a large brokerage company. If I want to use my part of RMD for a contribution to a charity, do I take the cash and send it to the charity or does the brokerage company send it to the charity?

 

By doing this, I understand that I don't have to pay federal and state income taxes on the RMD amount that I donate to the charity. Is my understanding correct?

 

Thank you.