When it comes to giving generously while staying strategic, a donor-advised fund is a powerful tool that makes it happen. At the Catholic Community Foundation, we’re excited to help you amplify your impact through this flexible, faith-driven approach to philanthropy, ensuring your gifts reflect your values and touch lives in meaningful ways.
Understanding the Donor-Advised Fund
A donor-advised fund is like a charitable savings account—you contribute assets, such as cash, stocks, or real estate, and then recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits over time. It’s a way to give thoughtfully, with the freedom to decide when and where your support goes while enjoying immediate tax benefits. We manage these funds at the Catholic Community Foundation carefully, ensuring your contributions grow and align with your vision for a stronger Church and community.
The beauty of a donor-advised fund lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Once you set it up with the Catholic Community Foundation, you can focus on the joy of giving without the administrative hassle, knowing your gifts are stewarded responsibly to support causes that matter most to you.
Tax Advantages That Enhance Your Giving
One of the biggest perks of a donor-advised fund is the tax savings it unlocks. When you contribute to your fund, you’re eligible for an immediate charitable deduction, even if you haven’t chosen recipient charities yet. Plus, donating appreciated assets like stocks can avoid capital gains taxes, leaving more to fuel your generosity. The Catholic Community Foundation helps you navigate these benefits, making sure your giving is as efficient as it is heartfelt.
Beyond the numbers, this approach lets you give with intention. With the Catholic Community Foundation as your partner, you can plan your giving around your financial goals, ensuring your donor-advised fund works harmoniously with your broader estate or retirement plans.
Supporting the Church’s Mission
Besides the tax benefits and initial education for a DAF, many people wonder why the Foundation is a good option for a DAF vs. their current broker account (i.e., Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard), vs. using a Foundation DAF. Several reasons why we are a good option:
1) We are part of the community - our success translates to more support for our community (i.e., grow our team to provide more services or reinvest through scholarships and grants)
2) Catholic values investing - invest with your values through a Catholic aligned investment portfolio
3) We offer a personalized approach - with a dedicated advisor to help advise on funding and unique ways to structure the fund to involve family or create a legacy
4) Free DAF- we have an option to open a free DAF, which other DAF providers do not offer
How to Start Your Donor-Advised Fund
Getting started with a donor-advised fund is straightforward and rewarding. Reach out to the Catholic Community Foundation, and we’ll help you set up your fund, decide on an initial contribution, and explore the causes you want to support. Whether you’re giving $5,000 or $500,000, there’s no pressure—just a shared goal of making a difference. For more insights, check out our giving resources.
Once your fund is active, the Catholic Community Foundation handles the details, from investment management to grant distributions. You can recommend gifts anytime, anywhere, with our Start a Fund page. You can also call (480) 651-8800 or email our team at donorsupport@ccfphx.org, making your philanthropy as seamless as it is impactful.