Ways to Give
Our Philanthropic Services Team will help you and your clients find the best way to achieve their charitable goals. Among the many ways to give are:
A gift of cash by check or credit card is a simple, direct way to establish a fund or add to an existing fund.
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and matured certificates of deposit can be donated to establish or add to a fund at the DCF. Business owners often enjoy tax advantages by making gifts of closely held stock in their companies.
Personal residences, vacation homes or land can be donated to the DCF, with the proceeds being used to add to or open an endowed charitable fund. This can result in significant tax advantages, particularly for property that has been owned for many years and appreciated in value.
Gifts of tangible personal property include art, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, rare books, and stamp and coin collections.
At the DCF ‘s discretion, the foundation may accept donations of personal property, with proceeds being used to establish or add to an endowed charitable fund.
A simple bequest can be made easily through your will or revocable trust, donating a fixed amount or a percentage of your estate.
There are several different ways to use life insurance as a charitable giving tool. You can donate the cash value of a policy, or designate the DCF or a fund at the DCF as a beneficiary. You can even purchase a new policy and name the DCF as the owner and beneficiary, which typically makes the premiums tax deductible. It’s an easy way for you to make a meaningful gift in the future for pennies on the dollar.
You can help to transform lives and avoid taxes associated with retirement plan assets by designating the DCF as a beneficiary.
If you are 70 ½ or older, you may be able to transfer up to $100,000 a year directly from your IRA to a new or existing fund at the DCF. (Donor advised funds are not eligible.) This distribution is excluded from your taxable income and can be especially useful for those who don’t need the income from the required minimum distribution. Learn more.
Through a charitable remainder trust and similar vehicles, you may be able to make a gift that generates a guaranteed stream of income for you or a loved one, for a period of years or a lifetime, and support the DCF or one of its funds. Learn more.
The IRS classifies cryptocurrency as property for tax purposes, making it a tax-efficient way to give.
Types of Funds
Donor Advised
Remain actively involved in how your gift is used to help charitable organizations and causes.
Scholarship
Invest in students.
Designated
Assign your gift’s earnings to the organization(s) of your choice, for a set time or in perpetuity.
Field of Interest
Establish a permanent, flexible source of charitable dollars to support a cause you care about.
Thinking about a private foundation? Consider a donor advised fund instead.
Philanthropists often find that a donor advised fund empowers them to achieve their charitable goals without the expense and administrative hassle of a private foundation. Download this comparison chart for more information, and contact us to discuss.
| Points to consider | Donor Advised Fund | Private Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Legal identity | Component fund of DCF | Separate nonprofit entity |
| Tax status | Public charity | Private foundation |
| Tax on investment income | None | 2% of the net investment income |
| Payout requirement | None | Grants must equal 5% of fund balance annually |
| Deductibility of gifts | Deductible up to 50% of adjusted gross income; gifts of appreciated property deductible (up to 30% of AGI) at fair market value | Deductible up to 30% of adjusted gross income; gifts of appreciated property deductible (up to 20% AGI) at cost basis—except publicly-traded stock deductible at fair market value |
| Administration | All record-keeping and accounting carried out by DCF | Detailed annual filing with IRS |
| Grantmaking expertise | DCF broad community expertise and assistance to review and monitor proposals | Your foundation trustees and professional staff, if any (unusual for a small foundation) |
| Investment management | Various options including DCF’s pooled investment portfolio as well as our Charitable Partners Program | Investment management responsibility rests with the private foundation |
| Control | You or your designated fund advisors recommend grants | Your foundation’s trustees have complete control of distributions and responsibilities for asset management |
| Cost | No cost to establish; modest administrative fee that is reduced as the fund grows | Significant start-up costs. Annual operating costs include legal and accounting fees, insurance, office space, staff, and miscellaneous expenses |
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