Donor Advised Funds

Tax Benefits
Investment Options
Grantmaking Flexibility
Administrative Services
The Grantmaking Process
Exceptional Service
Getting Started

Tax Benefits

The San Diego Foundation's Donor Advised Funds are a flexible, tax-advantaged solution for making the most of your charitable contributions.

• You may deduct contributions to your fund from your income tax, up to the amount allowable by law.
• When you contribute long-term appreciated securities, you can avoid paying capital gains taxes on these assets.
• We provide you with all of the tax documentation you need. You will receive quarterly statements regarding the activity of your fund.

Investment Options

• You can open an account with a minimum contribution of $10,000.
• You can make additional contributions at any time.
• You can fund the account with cash, appreciated securities, or real estate.
• Three investment options are available to fund advisors. Each retains asset liquidity, but depending on an advisor's future plans for grantmaking, the advisor may recommend that the fund's assets be invested for more growth potential.

Grantmaking Flexibility

• You can recommend grants of $250 or more to qualified nonprofit organizations.
• You can make grant recommendations at any time. You can recommend one or many grants within a given year, while simultaneously scheduling one-time or annual grants to take place at future dates. The San Diego Foundation can assist you in formulating and implementing your personal philanthropic plan.
• Your grant recommendations can be announced in Foundation publications, or you may remain anonymous.
• The San Diego Foundation offers you in-depth knowledge of community issues to help you research and identify nonprofit organizations that interest you.

Administrative Services

• You will receive a quarterly summary of your fund's activity and performance information.
• You'll receive a separate confirmation for each grant and additional contribution.
• You'll receive a single form for tax filing purposes.
• A fund at The San Diego Foundation offers you many of the advantages of a private foundation without the associated start-up, administrative, and maintenance costs.

The Grantmaking Process

Click here for an overview of the Grantmaking Process

Exceptional Service

• The San Diego Foundation's philanthropic advisors are specially trained to answer your questions and resolve any problems, and they can guide you through a unique Philanthropic Planning Process.

Getting Started

If you're ready to open a Donor Advised Fund with The San Diego Foundation, please see our Establish a Fund section.