Today, we celebrate Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Day—a national opportunity to recognize one of the most flexible, tax-smart, and impactful charitable giving tools available.
At the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, we believe giving should be as rewarding and seamless as possible. A Donor-Advised Fund works much like a dedicated charitable investment account: you make a tax-deductible gift to the foundation today, and you recommend grants to the causes you care about over time.
Whether you’re planning for year-end taxes, building a family legacy, or supporting local non-profits across Starved Rock Country, here is how a DAF can work for you.
Why Open a Donor-Advised Fund at SRCCF?
1. Give Now, Grant on Your Timeline
When you contribute to a DAF, you receive an immediate charitable tax deduction. You can then take your time deciding which charities to support—recommending grants when local needs arise or whenever you’re ready.
2. Give Beyond Cash
A DAF accepts diverse assets that traditional charities may not be equipped to process directly, including:
- Appreciated stock and securities (eliminating capital gains taxes while maximizing deduction value)
- Grain and agricultural commodities
- Farmland and real estate assets
- Cash and liquid gifts(Note: Per IRS regulations, Qualified Charitable Distributions / QCDs from traditional IRAs cannot be directed into a DAF).
3. Strategic “Bunching” for Greater Tax Deductions
With current standard deduction limits, many donors don’t itemize every single year. By “bunching” multiple years of charitable contributions into a single DAF deposit, you can surpass the standard deduction threshold in a high-income tax year—while continuing to distribute grants to your favorite non-profits steadily year after year.
4. Total Flexibility & Privacy
- Local to National: Recommend grants to any qualified 501(c)(3) public charity in the United States—whether that’s your hometown food pantry, local arts council, or alma mater.
- Recognition or Discretion: Choose full community recognition or recommend grants completely anonymously.
- Pass-Through or Endowed: Choose a pass-through fund for active distribution or create an endowed fund invested to grow and grant in perpetuity.
5. Multigenerational Family Giving
You can name successor advisors—such as children or grandchildren—ensuring your family’s philanthropic values continue for generations. You can also establish a “shell” DAF now at zero cost to serve as a beneficiary of your estate, will, or trust.
How to Take Action on DAF Day
- If you already have a DAF: Join today’s celebration by recommending a grant to support local nonprofits serving Starved Rock Country!
- If you are a 501(c)(3) non-profit: Remind your supporters that your organization is eligible to receive grants from Donor-Advised Funds. Be sure to prominently share your organization’s legal name and EIN across your website and social channels.
- If you are considering starting a fund: We make the setup simple and straightforward.
Let’s Build Your Giving Plan Together
Charitable giving is personal, and our team is right here in your community to guide you every step of the way.
To discuss opening a Donor-Advised Fund or exploring strategic gift options before year-end:
- Call Us: (815) 252-2906
- Visit Our Office: 116 W. Lafayette Street, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL 61350
- Send Us an Email: info@srccf.org
