Donor Advised Fund

A donor advised fund, which is like a charitable savings account, gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to the Foundation for VPS and other charities.

It is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization (like the Community Foundation for SW Washington). You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to charities.

You transfer cash or other assets to a tax-exempt sponsoring organization such as a public foundation. You can then recommend-but not direct-how much and how often money is granted. In addition, you avoid the cost and complexities of managing a private foundation.

In return, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction at the time you contribute to the account. This also allows for a centralized giving and record-keeping system in one location.