Get to know the ways donor-advised funds benefit you and BJC

Financial gifts from donor-advised funds to qualified charities increased more than 60% in the past two years, and the number of gifts from donor-advised funds have grown more than 400% in the past decade, according to the National Philanthropic Trust.

Once less common, donors now give regularly to BJC through their donor-advised funds, supporting our critical work of protecting faith freedom for all.

What is a donor-advised fund, and how can you benefit?

A donor-advised fund (DAF) acts as a charitable giving account for you or your family. The fund allows you as a donor to provide financial grants (gifts) to one or more charities like BJC in a single year or over a period of years.

To set up a donor-advised account, you deposit assets (e.g., cash, stocks, real estate, personal property) at a sponsoring organization. Institutions, such as community foundations, oversee funds like these, as do financial service companies such as Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard.

After depositing your assets, you will receive a charitable tax deduction for your irrevocable contribution. The money in a donor-advised fund grows tax-free, creating the possibility of having more to give to charity over time.

The donor-advised fund allows you to recommend grants to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations like BJC from the created fund.

There are additional benefits to establishing a donor-advised fund. Using a DAF may simplify your charitable giving, streamline your tax filings, help you avoid capital gains tax and maximize your annual donations. Plus, the DAF can serve as the basis for a legacy gift: Donors can specify upon their death that any remaining funds be gifted to BJC.

What do I do after I create a fund?

If you have created a donor-advised fund and want to know how to give to support BJC’s important work, please contact Danielle Tyler, associate director of development, at dtyler@BJConline.org.

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney, tax adviser or financial adviser.

How else can I support BJC’s work?

You can make a gift to BJC at any time to continue our efforts. Here are a few other ways to give: