What is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
DAFs are a centralized vehicle for charitable giving that makes it easy for donors to dedicate funds to support their favorite nonprofit organization. They also provide an operationally convenient and tax-efficient method for donors to manage their charitable giving.
With a DAF, charitably inclined individuals, families and businesses make an irrevocable gift to a public charity that sponsors a donor-advised fund program, and may take an immediate tax deduction. Donors can then recommend grants over time to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charities. DAFs also allow donors to approach their charitable giving thoughtfully by involving other family members or colleagues in their philanthropic decisions. Most DAFs accept donations of long-term appreciated securities and other assets, and donors can advise how the funds are invested.
How does it work?
- Establish your DAF by making an irrevocable, tax deductible donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program.
- Advise the investment allocation of the donated assets (any investment growth is tax free).
- Recommend grants to the charities you support, with the option of being recognized or remaining anonymous.
Donors can currently recommend grants from Fidelity Charitable®, Schwab Charitable and Greater Kansas Community Foundation through DAF Direct. If your Donor Advised Fund is not within these three, you can still make a donation to Legacy Donor Foundation by contacting your Community Foundation or financial services advisor administering your donations and direct your gift to Legacy Donor Foundation.