Is Your Donor-Advised Fund Working for You?

A donor-advised fund, or DAF, can be one of the simplest and most flexible ways to support the organizations and causes that matter most to you.

If you already have a DAF, you may think of it primarily as a convenient way to make charitable gifts. But it can also be a useful tool for planning your philanthropy, supporting organizations consistently over time, and involving your family in decisions about giving.

As you consider your charitable plans, here are a few ways to make the most of your donor-advised fund.

Review your charitable goals.
Your interests and priorities may change over time. Take a fresh look at the organizations you support and consider whether your DAF giving still reflects the causes and communities that matter most to you today.

Consider giving throughout the year.
Nonprofits benefit from support in every season—not only at year-end. Recommending grants throughout the year can help organizations plan programs, respond to opportunities, and put your generosity to work when it is needed.

Make giving a regular habit.
Many DAF sponsors allow donors to recommend recurring grants. If there are organizations you support year after year, scheduling regular gifts can make your philanthropy easier and provide those organizations with more consistent support.

Think about your giving in retirement.
Some donors choose to contribute more to their DAF during higher-income working years and then recommend grants from the fund after retirement. This can help maintain a meaningful level of charitable support even as personal income changes.

Explore gifts beyond cash.
Depending on your DAF sponsor, it may be possible to contribute appreciated securities and certain other assets. Your financial or tax advisor can help you determine which giving strategies may be appropriate for your circumstances.

Review your succession plans.
If you established your DAF years ago, revisit what you have directed to happen to the account in the future. You may have named successor advisors or charitable beneficiaries when the fund was created, and those choices may no longer reflect your wishes.

Bring your family into the conversation.
A DAF can provide an opportunity to talk with children, grandchildren, or other family members about generosity, community, and the causes you value. Making grant recommendations together can help pass philanthropic values from one generation to the next.

Keep your DAF working for the community.
Funds placed in a donor-advised fund have already been designated for charitable purposes. Recommending grants regularly ensures those resources are actively supporting the organizations and missions you care about.

Your DAF Can Make Waves at SBMM

A grant from your donor-advised fund can help the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum connect people to the rich maritime history, culture, science, and environment of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Your support helps make possible engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and community experiences that inspire curiosity, foster ocean stewardship, and deepen understanding of our region’s enduring relationship with the sea.

If SBMM is part of your charitable giving plans, you can recommend a grant through your donor-advised fund at any time. You can also make a DAF gift directly through the SBMM website, making it even easier to support the museum.

You may also ask your DAF sponsor to direct your gift to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

For questions about supporting SBMM through a donor-advised fund, please contact:

Emily Duncan, Development Director
eduncan@sbmm.org
(805) 456-8744

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your financial, tax, or legal advisor regarding your individual circumstances.