Donor Advised Funds
Simplify Your Giving
A donor advised fund (DAF) is like a charitable savings account that allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants to the George Washington University and other qualified charities over time.
The George Washington University has its own donor advised fund in partnership with BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund. Learn more by downloading our information sheet or by visiting our George Washington University Donor Advised Fund website.
Already have a DAF?
You can also create a lasting legacy by naming the George Washington University the beneficiary of the entire account or a percentage of the fund. With a percentage, you can create a family legacy of giving by naming your loved ones as your successor to continue recommending grants to charitable organizations. Contact your fund administrator for a beneficiary form.
Already have a DAF?
Ensure you’ve made the most of your donor advised fund — for your family and for GW. Download the FREE guide Maximize the Impact of Donor Advised Funds.
Doing Good with DAFs
Joe and Laura want to give back to their hometown by putting their money where it will do the most good. They establish a $25,000 donor advised fund with a community foundation.
The couple receives a federal income tax charitable deduction for the amount of the gift. They also get the time they need to decide which charities to support.
After researching community needs with the foundation’s staff, Joe and Laura recommend grants for GW (which they’ve supported for years) and a local animal shelter. The foundation presents the charities with checks from the Patricia Fund, which Joe and Laura named in honor of Laura’s mother. They name GW as the beneficiary to receive the account balance after their lifetimes. Joe and Laura are delighted to start this personal legacy of giving.
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