Who Can a Donor Advised Fund Help?

We serve as problem solvers for all kinds of people.

1. The Busy Professional

Mary wants to give back but doesn’t have time to manage a private foundation. She sets up a Donor Advised Fund, donates appreciated stock (avoiding capital gains tax), and gets an immediate tax deduction. Over time, she recommends grants to local education programs, supporting causes she cares about—without the administrative burden.

2. The Family Philanthropist

David and Lisa want to teach their kids (and eventually grandkids) about giving. They start a family Donor Advised Fund, contributing annually and involving their children in choosing charities to support. It becomes a family tradition, allowing them to instill philanthropy in the next generation while making a lasting impact.

3. The Business Owner with an Eye on the Future

After selling his business, Robert faces a large tax bill. He donates part of his proceeds into a Donor Advised Fund, reducing his taxable income while creating a fund he can use to support nonprofits over time. Now retired, he enjoys being actively involved in directing his charitable giving at his own pace.

4. The Retiree with a Plan

With retirement just a few years away, Joe knew his income—and tax bracket—would soon drop. To maximize his tax benefits, he contributes lump sums to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) while still working, securing a deduction when his income was highest. Even in retirement, he continued supporting his favorite charities by recommending grants from his fund—without affecting his new fixed income.