organizations we support
SAN RAMON JAZZ ASSOCIATION
SHEPHERD'S GATE
MONUMENT CRISIS CENTER
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CONTRA CONSTA
THE MARKIE FOUNDATION
ALS ASSOCIATION
want to make a more meaningful impact?
We can help you build a lasting legacy by establishing a Donor-Advised Fund.
01
BEGIN BUILDING YOUR LEGACY
You can open a Donor-Advised Fund with Giving Tree Wealth Advisors for as little as $25,000, with individual grants to charities starting at just $250.
02
INVEST FOR TODAY, GIVE FOR TOMORROW
Investments within the DAF remain fully flexible and can be professionally managed by Giving Tree Wealth Advisors. Often described as the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the country, a DAF functions like a dedicated philanthropy account that helps you create a meaningful, lasting legacy.
03
FLEXIBLE GIVING, MEANINGFUL IMPACT
A Donor-Advised Fund is a charitable giving account that provides exceptional flexibility. You can recommend grants to virtually any qualified charity, contribute a wide range of assets — including cash and publicly traded securities — and receive an immediate tax benefit for each contribution.
04
A SMARTER APPROACH TO CHARITABLE GIVING
Giving Tree Wealth Advisors has partnered with the American Endowment Foundation to offer our clients a simple and powerful way to establish and manage Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs).
your guide to
donor-advised funds
find the right tax deductable giving opportunity for you
Feature | Private foundation | DAF |
|---|---|---|
Privacy | No. Must file public Form 990-PF with donor and grant details | Yes. Can remain anonymous to grant recipients |
Minimum to open a DAF | Typically, $1 million – $5 million recommended for efficiency | $25,000 |
Setup time | Lengthy – weeks to months | Quick – within days |
Setup cost
| Legal fees for drafting, IRS filing costs can be significant | Minimal to none |
Annual fees | Annual fees for filing tax returns, excise tax on net investment income, investment advice, or professional trustee | Asset-based fee typically below one percent of the DAF value |
Control over assets | Full control over grants, investments, and operations
| Donor recommends grants; DAF sponsor has final say |
Administrative burden | Donors responsible for compliance, IRS filings, governance, and recordkeeping
| Handled by DAF sponsor (no separate tax filing) |
Income tax considerations | Cash: up to 30% of AGI; Appreciated assets: up to 20% of AGI
| Cash: up to 60% of AGI; Appreciated assets: up to 30% of AGI |
Decision-making authority for investments | Yes, based on bylaws and other governing documents
| Sometimes, often choose from select managed accounts; greater flexibility for customized investments in larger accounts |
Annual distribution requirement | Yes, 5% less certain administrative fees | Not required by law |
Grantmaking flexibility | Can grant to individuals (for scholarships/ awards) and non-charities with expenditure responsibility | Restricted to IRS-qualified public charities |
Compensate family members or hire staff | Yes, subject to IRS regulations | No |
Successors | Can designate successors | Can indicate successor advisors |
