A donor-advised fund (DAF) is an investment account with the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to your DAF, you’ll enjoy an immediate tax deduction—and easily support the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network and other charities that matter to you, on your schedule.

You can make one-time gifts or set up recurring monthly donations. You can give to one charity or multiple, all from a single DAF.

DAFs are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give.

DAFs can be easily set up through your financial institution or through a community foundation to serve as a flexible charitable giving vehicle. For more information on how to establish a DAF, contact your community foundation or financial advisor.

• Easily contribute a wide range of assets to a single, philanthropic fund.
• Centralize your giving and record-keeping in one location.
• Make an impact in the world—and enjoy an immediate tax deduction.
• Sustain the charities most important to you by establishing recurring DAF gifts.
• Your DAF sponsor can help you identify and vet qualified nonprofit organizations that align with your values.
• Respond quickly as crisis moments arise.
• Eliminate capital gains on donated stock.
• Invest your donation for tax-free growth.
• Support your legacy planning—many DAF sponsors allow you to pass the remaining funds in your account at your death to your favorite charities.
• Start a legacy of giving—involve your children and discuss why giving is important to you.

Mark and Sarah want to give back to Elmhurst by putting their money where it will do the most good. They establish a $25,000 Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with a community foundation.

The couple receives a federal income tax charitable deduction for the amount of their gift to the fund. They also get the time they need to decide which charities to support.

After researching community needs, Mark and Sarah decide to make recurring donations from their DAF to the Elmhurst Walk-in Assistance Network (which they’ve supported for years) and a local veterans' shelter.  They select their DAF provider from the online EWAN donation form, or request that their fund provider send a check.

They name EWAN as the beneficiary to receive the account balance from their DAF after their lifetimes. Mark and Sarah are delighted to start this personal legacy of giving.