What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?

A DAF is an account for supporting the charitable organizations that matter to you. You can contribute cash and other assets to the account, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants from the fund over time. 

Advantages of a Glenmede DAF

Tax Efficiency

Contributions are generally immediately tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Since assets do not need to be distributed immediately, your DAF can be invested to grow tax-free as long as you make periodic grants.

Flexibility

A DAF can be funded with a variety of assets, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, life insurance policies, privately held business interests, and other appreciated assets.

Coordination

A DAF can complement other giving vehicles, such as private foundations, and receive funding from charitable lead and remainder trusts.

Low Fees

With no start-up costs, a DAF can be established in as little as one day (certain ongoing fees apply).

Privacy

DAFs are not required to identify donors, and grants can be made anonymously.

Legacy

Successor advisors can be named to a DAF to support designated charities in perpetuity. You may name a DAF as beneficiary of a will, trust, insurance policy, or retirement account.

Getting Started Is Easy

Glenmede can guide you every step of the way. 

Step 1

Establish an account

Step 2

Determine which asset(s) and how much to contribute

Step 3

Make grant recommendations

Your Impact

Your DAF contribution makes a difference for the causes and charities you champion. In 2023, Glenmede DAF holders recommended grants totaling more than $13.2 million.

Read how this family shifted from a private foundation to a DAF to support their philanthropic goals.

 

PRW-LPG-007-Z02_total grant dollars by FOIv3

 

Important DAF Considerations
Notes on Glenmede's DAF Program
  • The minimum initial contribution is $25,000, and $5,000 for subsequent contributions.
  • The Glenmede DAF is administered and sponsored by National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), a tax-exempt public charity that maintains exclusive legal control over contributed assets and handles tax reporting.
  • The value of the DAF account will fluctuate with market performance. Income earned by the DAF includes interest, dividends, capital gains distributions from mutual funds, and other investment income.
Related Content
To learn more about how a DAF can help you optimize your charitable contributions, please contact your Glenmede Relationship Manager or click below:
The Glenmede Donor-Advised Fund is offered under an agreement between The Glenmede Trust Company, N.A. (“Glenmede”) and National Philanthropic Trust (“NPT”), a tax-exempt public charity. NPT administers and sponsors the Fund and maintains exclusive legal control over contributed assets. Glenmede serves as NPT’s investment manager for the Glenmede Donor-Advised Fund. Contributions to the Glenmede Donor-Advised Fund are irrevocable and cannot be redeemed or reclaimed by donors. For more information on the Glenmede Donor-Advised Fund, including the fees, risks, and other factors to consider when deciding whether to open an account, please contact your Glenmede Relationship Manager or visit https://info.glenmede.com/donor-advised-fund. This material is provided solely for informational and/or educational purposes, does not provide any financial, investment, tax, legal, or other advice, and should not be construed as a recommendation to take any particular course of action. Information obtained from third-party sources is assumed to be reliable but may not be independently verified, and the accuracy thereof is not guaranteed. Any potential outcome discussed, including but not limited to performance, legislation, or tax consequence, ultimately may not occur. The information presented is current as of the date of publication and is subject to change. Readers should contact Glenmede or consult with a financial, investment, tax, legal, or other advisor if they have any questions about this material or want advice or more information.
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