Can I give $10,000 from my IRA to my granddaughter to help her with college costs?

Nothing bars you from taking a distribution from your IRA and then giving the money to your granddaughter. However, if you’re withdrawing the funds from a traditional IRA (and you never made nondeductible contributions to it), you’re going to be fully taxed on the distribution. However, even if you’re under age 59½, you aren’t subject to a 10% early distribution penalty as long as your granddaughter uses the funds for qualified higher education expenses.