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A donor advised fund (DAF) at the Rhode Island Foundation is a simple and flexible way for individuals, families, and businesses to organize their charitable giving while creating a lasting impact in the community. With a donor advised fund, donors make an irrevocable charitable contribution to establish a fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to the nonprofit organizations they care about over time. The Foundation handles all administrative responsibilities, including recordkeeping, grant processing, and tax reporting, allowing donors to focus on their philanthropic goals.

The Rhode Island Foundation recently reduced the minimum gift required to establish a donor advised fund from $25,000 to $10,000, making this popular charitable giving vehicle accessible to more donors. The change reflects the Foundation's commitment to helping people at all stages of their philanthropic journey create a personalized approach to giving.

Donor advised funds can be funded with cash, appreciated securities, or other assets and can serve as an effective tool for individuals experiencing a significant financial event, such as the sale of a business, receipt of an inheritance, or other liquidity event. They also provide a meaningful way to involve family members in charitable decision-making and build a tradition of giving across generations.

As Rhode Island's community foundation, the Rhode Island Foundation works closely with donors to help them maximize the impact of their philanthropy while supporting the nonprofit organizations and causes that strengthen communities throughout our state.