Just keep in mind that if your IRA custodian makes a distribution to the charity on your behalf, the amount will appear on the 1099-R for the year they write the check. If you write a check to the charity out of an IRA checking account, it will appear on the 1099-R of the year the charity cashes the check.
This is particularly important if the charitable donation is part of the required minimum distribution (RMD) and you're making the donation at the end of the year.
