Ways to Give

Donor Advised Funds

A Donor Advised Fund (or a “DAF”) is a flexible giving vehicle that allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund over time. Through DAFs, donors can be engaged with grantmaking without having to handle the administration.

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Home Ways to Give Donor Advised Funds

Overview

About Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds provide a streamlined, tax-efficient way to manage your charitable contributions. By consolidating your donations into one account, you gain the freedom to recommend grants to your favorite causes over time, while keeping your giving organized and impactful. DAFs can be expendable, invested, or endowed, depending on your needs and giving horizon. Our expert guidance helps you enact your philanthropic vision seamlessly.

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01. Tax Benefits

02. Simplified Giving

03. Strategic Philanthropy

04. Legacy Planning

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DAFs offer an immediate tax deduction, and donors can avoid capital gains taxes by donating appreciated assets.

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DAFs consolidate your giving into one account with one tax receipt. PCF handles all administrative details.

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DAFs allow you to take your time in selecting charities and making grants when the timing is right.

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Donors can name successors to manage the DAF after their lifetime, ensuring that their philanthropic legacy continues for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Donor Advised Fund work?

Donors contribute cash, stocks, or other assets to a DAF. The donor can recommend grants to charities at their discretion.
At PCF, donors are encouraged to use the online Fund Holder Portal, but they can also submit recommendations by email or fax using the PCF Donor Recommendation Form.
PCF staff reviews the recommendations using criteria established by our Board of Directors in accordance with IRS guidelines.
Once a grant is approved, PCF sends a check to the approved charity. Every effort is made to process the grant recommendation within two weeks.

Are donations to a DAF irrevocable?

Yes, once assets are donated to a DAF, the donor receives a tax letter and the assets legally belong to PCF and cannot be reclaimed.

Can I name my DAF after someone else?

Yes, DAF accounts can be named after individuals, families, or even organizations.

Can I get my family involved with my DAF giving?

Many families use DAFs to engage multiple generations in philanthropy and make charitable giving a shared experience. Some families even establish family giving boards to collectively decide how to distribute funds.
A DAF allows family members to contribute assets, recommend grants, and collaborate on charitable decisions without the administrative burden of running a private foundation. Families can also structure their DAF to include individual giving pools for each member while maintaining a shared fund for collaborative grantmaking.
Furthermore, having family members involved allows donors to easily establish a succession plan, ensuring that their philanthropic goals are carried forward by designated successors or charitable organizations.