Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have been in existence for nearly a century. Their accessibility, flexibility and convenience make them the fastest growing charitable giving vehicle.   

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Donor Advised Funds through the Community Foundation of West Georgia empower the citizens of West Georgia to pursue their philanthropic goals with the benefit of the Foundation staff’s expertise and experience to help facilitate their giving.

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A Donor Advised Fund operates much like a private foundation, but without the expense and tax-reporting requirements.

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What is a donor-advised fund?
Donor-advised funds allow you to make a tax-deductible transfer of cash or marketable securities that is immediately eligible for a charitable deduction. Then, you can recommend gifts to favorite charities from the fund when the time is right. 

• A donor-advised fund operates a lot like a checking or investment account, just for charity

• Your donor-advised fund is established according to specific IRS guidelines that create tax advantages and support ease of administration

• Assets in the fund are invested to align with your investment philosophy and goals for the fund

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Why is a donor-advised fund useful?
A donor-advised fund is easy to establish and maintain. With a donor-advised fund, you’ll enjoy:

• 24/7 online access to view your account and recommend grants to your favorite charities

• Ability to transfer highly-appreciated assets, benefit from an income tax deduction, avoid capital gains on the sale, and grow the proceeds for your own grantmaking and even to leave a legacy for children and grandchildren to continue your philanthropic commitments

• Request that checks from your fund be sent to charities in your name or anonymously, depending on each situation

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How does the Community Foundation of West Georgia help?
When you establish a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation of West Georgia, you are part of a community of giving and you have opportunities to collaborate with other donors who share similar interests. In addition, you’re supported in strategic grant making, family philanthropy, and opportunities to gain deep knowledge about local issues and nonprofits making a difference. 

The team at CFWG works with you to:

• Select a name for your fund, whether your family name or something less specific

• Create and execute a document that establishes your fund and designates successor advisors, such as your children, to step into your shoes upon your death or incapacity

• Learn more about the causes you care about and how to make the biggest impact

• Discover ways to involve your family in your giving