The National Philanthropic Trust, which has tracked donor-advised funds for more than a decade, reported in the 2017 Donor-Advised Fund Report that donors contributed $23 billion to about 285,000 donor-advised funds in the U.S. and used these donor-advised funds to recommend almost $16 billion in grants to qualified charities.
Both grants and contributions are record highs.
What are donor-advised funds? And how have they quickly become today’s fastest growing charitable giving vehicle?
A donor-advised fund is a philanthropic giving vehicle administered by a charitable sponsor, such as a community foundation (like The San Diego Foundation) or commercial institution. Donors establish donor-advised funds with a charitable sponsor, fund the account with an irrevocable, tax-deductible contribution and receive an immediate tax deduction.
The charitable sponsor invests the funds, and donors then recommend grants from those funds gradually, over time, to other charitable organizations.
Why are donor-advised funds skyrocketing in popularity among philanthropists?
In 2016, donor-advised funds saw steady growth in grant dollars, contributions, charitable assets and number of donor-advised funds.
Source: 2017 Donor-Advised Fund Report by the National Philanthropic Trust.
This can be attributed to four primary reasons:
Considering a donor-advised fund?
Speak to our Development & Stewardship Team to learn more about the benefits of a donor-advised fund, and jump start the fund process and your philanthropy to receive optimal tax benefits.
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On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
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