Why should I open a donor-advised fund?
Frequently Asked Questions
The Trust invented the DAF in 1931 and we’ve been helping donors give easily and effectively with them ever since.
What kinds of gifts can I make to a DAF?
When can I give to a DAF?
What will I be supporting?
What are my investment options?
How can I give with a DAF?
What kinds of gifts can I make to a DAF?
We accept a variety of assets
You can fund your DAF with cash, a credit card, publicly or closely held stock, property, retirement assets, and even through bequest.
Note that while you can give Qualified Charitable Distributions from your IRA to our Community Needs Fund or to a permanent fund, they don’t count as charitable distributions when contributed to your DAF (aka, you can’t get the tax write-off).
When can I give to a DAF?
Time your gift on your terms
One of the reasons DAFs are so popular is that they allow the donor to give when it is right for them. Some donors bundle their annual contributions into one gift every few years for tax purposes. Others give when they are rebalancing their stock portfolios or if they’ve had a windfall. You can also fund DAFs in your will, by either funding your own or creating new ones as gifts for your family and friends.
What will I be supporting?
Your fund, your choice
You can suggest grants to organizations working locally, across the country, or internationally—as long as they have an office in the U.S. Once you suggest your grants, our grantmaking experts vet the nonprofits, and handle the payments and paperwork. While your recommendations can’t be binding (under IRS rules, our board has the final say), we take your suggestions very seriously. When you open a donor-advised fund with The Trust, you get access to a community of philanthropic experts who will help you make a difference in your community.
What are my investment options?
Four choices for donors
Some donors want their funds to grow over the long term, others value short-term liquidity or socially responsible options. Whatever your investment objectives, we have great options.
How can I give with a DAF?
You can give anytime on our donor portal.
With our easy-to-use online portal, MyGrants, you can suggest grants 24/7. You also can schedule reoccurring gifts and fulfill pledges.
Simplify your charitable giving
Open a donor-advised fund today with our easy online form or contact one of our philanthropic giving experts to learn more.
A short video about donor-advised funds in The New York Community Trust
More ways to give
Donor-advised funds aren’t the right fit for everyone. No matter how you want to make an impact, we can help you turn a variety of assets into a force for good. Explore the different funds we offer.
