What is a Donor Advised Fund?

A donor-advised fund (DAF) provides donors with a centralized charitable giving vehicle. It allows philanthropically inclined individuals, families, and corporations to make an irrevocable charitable gift to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program and take an immediate tax deduction. Most sponsoring organizations of DAFs accept cash equivalents, securities, and certain other assets.

How It Works

• Establish your DAF by making an irrevocable, tax-deductible donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program.
• Advise the investment allocation of the donated assets (any investment growth is tax-free).
• Recommend grants to qualified public charities of your choice.

Donor Benefits

• Simplicity—The DAF sponsor handles all recordkeeping, disbursements, and tax receipts.
• Flexibility—Timing of your tax deduction can be separate from your charitable decision making.
• Tax efficiency—Contributions are tax-deductible, and any investment growth in the DAF is tax-free. It is also easy to donate long-term appreciated securities, eliminating capital gains taxes and allowing you to support several charities from one block of stock.
• Family legacy—A DAF is a powerful way to build or continue a tradition of family philanthropy.
• No start-up costs—There is no cost to establish a donor-advised fund. However, there are often minimum initial charitable contributions to establish the DAF (typically $5,000 or more).*
• No transaction fees—Once approved, 100% of your recommended grant goes to your qualified public charity of choice.*
• Privacy if desired—Donors may choose to remain anonymous to the grant recipient.

Next Steps

• If you already have a fund, use our tool above to get started.
• Contact Amy Hasquet, Director of Annual Giving at ahasquet@lafoodbank.org or (323) 234-3030 x140 to discuss using your donor-advised funds to support the Food Bank and our mission.
• Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
• If you include the Food Bank in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.
  • Legal name: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
    Address: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058
    Federal tax ID number: 95-3135649