Supporting the causes you care about should feel simple, meaningful, and impactful. A donor-advised fund (DAF) is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to make charitable gifts while maximizing your philanthropic goals.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?

A DAF works similarly to a charitable investment account. You set it up through a financial institution and contribute cash, stocks, or other assets, receiving an immediate tax benefit. From there, you recommend grants to nonprofit organizations (like Veterans Outreach Center) in any amount, and your financial institution directs your funds to them.

Related Post: Giving! It Does a Body Good

What are the Benefits of a DAF?

According to the National Philanthropic Trust, donors granted about $54.77 billion to nonprofits from their DAFs in 2023, with charitable assets in DAFs increasing almost 10% to $251.52 billion. This is a popular and growing method of giving, especially for donors who want to support multiple causes.

A grant from your DAF can often be completed in just a few clicks through your fund administrator’s online portal. Many donors like the flexibility of DAF giving because it allows them to respond quickly to urgent needs while simplifying year-end giving and long-term charitable planning.

The National Philanthropic Trust lists the following benefits of DAFs for donors, among others:

• Contributions via DAFs help donors maximize tax benefits.
• Donors can contribute immediately, build a philanthropic strategy, and recommend grants when ready.
• Charitable assets may grow over time, meaning more charitable dollars will be available to nonprofits.
• DAFs provide streamlined grantmaking, helping philanthropic dollars reach nonprofits quickly and efficiently.
• DAF sponsors handle all due diligence and reporting.
• DAFs can be used to facilitate a charitable legacy.

Related Post: 3 Reasons Why Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Are a Smart Choice for Giving

How Does a DAF Help Local Veterans?

If your goal is to support local veterans and their families, grants to VOC through a DAF can make a significant difference. Your support helps VOC provide health and wellness programs and services, peer support groups, workforce development, residential programs, food, clothing, and more, all at no cost to veterans.

VOC provides no-cost support, programs, and services to nearly 2,000 veterans every year. We also operate Otto’s Phoenix House, the region’s only homeless shelter specifically for female veterans and their children.

Related Post: Understanding the Female Veteran Homelessness Crisis

Learn More & Get Started

If you already have a DAF, we invite you to consider recommending a grant in support of Veterans Outreach Center’s mission. Every gift helps ensure veterans receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve. Together, we can continue making a lasting impact on the lives of those who served.

For more information, visit our website or contact Joan Brandenburg, Director of Planned Giving and Strategic Partnerships, at 585.295.7821 or Joan.Brandenburg@vocroc.org.

Veterans Outreach Center does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional regarding their individual circumstances and the impact of any charitable gift. All planned, legacy, or charitable giving decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified professional advisor.