Donor Advised Funds

A donor advised fund, or DAF, is a giving account that supports all your favorite nonprofits.

Open A Fund

A concert pianist performs at Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte Vermont.

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Pianist Kyle Walker plays at a concert at Clemmons Family Farm.

What if you could support all your favorite nonprofits through one giving account? It’s called a DAF.
Give flexible amounts at any time of year with immediate tax benefits.

Is a DAF right for you?

Why should you consider opening a DAF?

Flexibility: Contribute a variety of assets, such as cash, securities, or other assets and retain the ability to advise how your funds are granted to charities, keeping you involved in the giving process.

Simplified Giving: Your DAF makes giving easier because the VCF handles administrative tasks like ensuring organizations are IRS-compliant and managing check writing.

Tax Advantages: Your contributions to a DAF are generally tax-deductible in the year they are made, giving you immediate tax benefits. Plus, the assets in your DAF grow tax-free, potentially increasing your charitable impact.

Anonymity (if desired): You can choose to give anonymously through your DAF. Each grant recommendation allows you to decide how you are identified to the recipient organization.

Legacy: Create a lasting legacy by involving family members as successor advisors or naming the fund as a beneficiary in your estate plans, ensuring your charitable impact continues beyond your lifetime.

Open A Fund

Wondering what you can contribute to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

Cash: It’s as simple as writing a check, transferring funds electronically, or using any other method of monetary contribution.

Marketable Securities: You can donate publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Plus, donating appreciated securities might come with tax benefits.

Private Business Interests: In certain cases, we’re happy to accept closely held business interests or privately held stock.

Other Assets: Got something unique to give? We’re open to contributions in the form of certain life insurance policies, intellectual property rights, or other non-publicly traded assets. Our philanthropic advisors are here to chat about the ins and outs of donating non-traditional assets.

How do I choose which charities to support with my DAF?

We’re here to help empower you to create a legacy of giving that truly reflects who you are and what you care about. Here’s where we start:

Define Your Philanthropic Interests: Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you.

Establish Philanthropic Goals: Whether you’re focused on immediate needs, long-term systemic change, or a mix of both, we’ll tailor a plan to help you achieve your philanthropic dreams.

Knowledge of Charitable Organizations: We’ve curated a list of trusted nonprofit partners with whom we have deep-rooted relationships.

Consider Local Impact: There’s something special about supporting organizations right in your own backyard. Explore local nonprofits together and see how we can make a direct impact in your community.

Assess Alignment: It’s all about finding the perfect match. We’ll help you ensure that the charities you choose align perfectly with your values, objectives, and desired impact.

What if I want to involve my family in my DAF granting?

Absolutely encouraged!

Philanthropy is often a family affair, and we welcome input from all stakeholders. Whether you want your partner, family member, or financial advisor in on the conversation, we welcome it. We’re here to facilitate those discussions and ensure everyone’s on the same page.

We understand the importance of open communication, especially when it comes to family, finances and philanthropy. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone’s voices are heard and respected. We act as mediators, helping families navigate those potentially sensitive discussions with empathy and understanding.