DONOR ADVISED FUNDS: Personalizing Philanthropic Partnerships

Personalizing Philanthropic Partnerships

Grand Rapids Community Foundation continues to grow our relationships with community members passionate about making an impact through their philanthropy today and in the future. Donor advised funds at the Community Foundation have become an increasingly popular giving strategy. They allow donor partners to personalize their philanthropy by demonstrating their love, commitment and vision for our community’s future.

Our donor advisors work alongside the Community Foundation development professionals. This team deeply understands community issues and needs, so it helps guide and support donor advisors’ charitable goals. As more donor partners find belonging through collaboration with the Community Foundation, gifts from donor advised funds are making up a larger percentage of our grantmaking portfolio each year.

We connected with Jonse Young, director of philanthropic services, to discuss how donor advisors are responding through their giving to the causes that matter most to them.

ASHLEY RENÉ LEE: How have you seen donor advisors find belonging and personalize their philanthropy in partnership with Grand Rapids Community Foundation?

JONSE YOUNG: Relationships are important to us. It is through meaningful relationships that our donor advisors are engaged and become members of our Community Foundation family. They are passionate and committed to making our community a better place to work, live and play. Many have business and strong family ties to Kent County and are happy to give back. Being part of our community’s philanthropic fabric is important to our donor advisors. To this end, we value and deepen our relationship with them as partners in philanthropy.

A: How are you seeing donor advisors shift their philanthropic focus and lead in light of all that has transpired in 2020?

J: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest within our communities, many donors have demonstrated via their grantmaking a desire for our community to heal and grow. They are also open to leaning on our community knowledge in this regard. As a result, we connect our donor advisors with grassroots agencies that provide direct services and are closest to community challenges.

A: How are donor advisors aligning with the Community Foundation’s North Star and our work around racial, social and economic justice?

J: A significant amount of our donor advisors focus on leading with equity. Many are concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic and racial unrest within our communities. Most often, they lean on our team to advise them on which organizations are meeting community needs. The Community Foundation’s North Star and work around racial, social and economic justice is a common conversation with our donor advisors. Although much of this work addresses systemic practices and behaviors that cannot be eradicated overnight, we can tell from their conversations and grantmaking that a significant number of donor advisors want to do their part.

A: Are you seeing any other trends this year with donor advisors?

J: Over the last two years, donor advised funds have increased by nearly 20%. This uptick in funds established is a result of tax laws and our donor partners’ desire to make a difference. Our donor partners also tend to make larger grants to organizations. This level of support allows organizations to address the need within our community during a time of uncertainty.

A: What messages or advice do you have for donor advisors as we approach year-end?

J: As we approach year-end, we recommend that donor advisors review their grantmaking history to ensure their personal passions and philanthropic goals align. Our team stands ready to provide historical grant data and suggestions to help accomplish their goals. For example, many of our donor advisors support our community through the Fund for Community Good or the recent COVID-19 Recovery Fund. They appreciate being made aware of efforts that allow them to have collective impact in Kent County, especially during these trying times.