Donor Advised Funds
How to choose a Donor Advised Fund?

There are many factors to consider when choosing a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Sponsor, including fees, investment options, and grantmaking flexibility. There are over 1,200,000 individual DAF accounts in the United States, representing $234 billion of total assets. Each of those accounts exists within the framework of a DAF Sponsor, charitable 501(c)3 organizations that accept donations and make grants. There are more than 1,000 of them in the United States. DonorAdvisedFunds.com’s DAF Reviews can be a helpful tool for donors to evaluate DAFs and choose the best one for their needs. Here are a few reasons about what to look for in choosing a DAF:

  • Fees: DAFs typically charge administrative fees to help cover the costs of processing and providing donor support and vary widely depending on the fund. DAFScore can help donors compare fees and choose a fund that offers competitive pricing. Look for a fund that offers competitive pricing and transparent fee structures.
  • Investment Options: Investment options help grow a fund over time, allowing for larger grants to be made in the future. DAFScore can help donors evaluate the variety of investment options different funds offer so you can choose one that aligns with your investment goals.
  • Grantmaking Flexibility: DAFs vary in their grantmaking flexibility, with some funds offering more options for how grants can be made to your favorite charities. DAFScore helps donors evaluate the grantmaking flexibility of different funds and choose one that aligns with their giving priorities.
  • Minimum Contributions: Many donors believe you must give large amounts to be eligible for a DAF. But that’s not true. Many DAFs have no minimum contribution, and others have very low ones. DAFScore can help donors compare minimum contribution requirements and choose a fund that fits their budget.
  • Reputation:  Donors want to ensure that their contributions are being used effectively and that their chosen fund has a good track record of supporting effective charities. DAFScore helps donors evaluate DAF’s reputation and helps them support effective distributions.
  • Customer Service:  DAFs can get complicated, and you may have questions. It’s nice to know when you call, someone knowledgeable will pick up the phone and be able to help. DAFScore uses extensive research to assess how helpful each sponsor’s customer service operation is and how eager they are to assist with even the toughest questions.

Donor Advised Funds are a valuable tool for charitable giving, offering tax benefits, flexibility, and simplified giving. When choosing a DAF, it’s important to consider these factors to find the best fit for your needs. By using DAF Reviews to choose the right DAF, you can make a greater impact with your charitable giving and support the causes you care about most.

This content is intended for informational purposes only, and users should seek professional advice before acting on it.