What’s a Donor-Advised Fund?

A donor-advised fund (also called a DAF) is a way to give charitable donations that combines tax benefits with flexibility to support your favorite nonprofit causes.

You put cash, stocks or other investments into the account and get an immediate tax break, but you don’t have to give the money away right away. While it sits there, the money can be invested so it grows tax-free, and whenever you feel ready, you simply log into your account and direct the fund to send donations to your favorite nonprofits.

It’s a simple way to secure your tax deduction today while taking your time to decide where your giving will make the biggest impact later, and you can easily set one up online through major financial firms like Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable, or through a local community foundation.

Giving through a DAF is becoming a popular way to support The Center for Active Living, and we often get questions about how to submit a gift. Here are some key steps:

• When submitting a gift through a DAF, you will need the following information about The Center for Active Living:
  Organization Legal Name: Senior Center of West Seattle dba The Center for Active Living, EIN (Employer Identification Number): #23-7155008.
• You can usually initiate and request a gift through your DAF through a variety of methods (online, email, phone, or in-person at your financial institution)
• Determine the amount you would like to donate (sometimes called the “grant amount”).

Your DAF provider will review the request to ensure the nonprofit is eligible and meets their internal guidelines. They may ask for clarification or additional information. Once approved, the DAF provider will process the gift/grant either by mailing a physical check to the organization or a direct deposit into the nonprofit’s bank account.

If you have questions about this type of gift, please contact us:

Laurie Porter
Development Manager
206-932-4044 / ext. 111
Email: lauriep@wscenter.org