Donor Advised Funds

Support your favorite charities by giving directly from your donor-advised fund.

What is a donor-advised fund?

A donor-advised fund (DAF) provides donors with a centralized charitable giving vehicle. It allows philanthropically inclined individuals, families, and corporations to make an irrevocable charitable gift to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program and take an immediate tax deduction. Most sponsoring organizations of DAFs accept cash equivalents, securities, and certain other assets.

How does it work?

1. Establish your DAF by making an irrevocable, tax-deductible donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program.
2. Advise the investment allocation of the donated assets (any investment growth is tax-free).
3. Recommend grants to qualified public charities of your choice.

What are the main advantages of a donor-advised fund?

  • Simplicity—The DAF sponsor handles all recordkeeping, disbursements, and tax receipts.
  • Flexibility—Timing of your tax deduction can be separate from your charitable decision making.
  • Tax efficiency—Contributions are tax-deductible, and any investment growth in the DAF is tax-free. It is also easy to donate long-term appreciated  securities, eliminating capital gains taxes and allowing you to support several  charities from one block of stock.
  • Family legacy—A DAF is a powerful way to build or continue a tradition of family philanthropy.
  • No start-up costs—There is no cost to establish a donor-advised fund. However, there are often minimum initial charitable contributions to establish the DAF (typically $5,000 or more).*
  • No transaction fees—Once approved, 100% of your recommended grant goes to your qualified public charity of choice.*
  • Privacy if desired—Donors may choose to remain anonymous to the grant recipient.

To set up funds through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, and/or BNY Mellon start here:

 

ALS Association Evergreen Chapter Tax ID is 91-1950869
For more information please contact Amara Bates at 509-863-4321 or amara@alsa-ec.org.

* Sponsoring organizations generally assess an administrative fee on the assets in a DAF. These fees vary by the charity that sponsors a DAF program.