Opening a donor-advised fund (DAF) is a way to bring more intention and flexibility to your charitable giving. But if you’ve never opened a fund before, you might not know where to start, what decisions you’ll need to make, or what happens after you reach out.
At Austin Community Foundation (ACF), getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team will help you explore your options, establish a fund around your goals, and get comfortable putting it to use. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.
It starts with a conversation.
Your first connection with ACF might come through a trusted advisor, a referral from a friend or colleague, our website, or a direct phone call or email. However you find us, we’ll start by learning more about you.
We’ll discuss your charitable goals, the people and causes that matter to you, and how a donor-advised fund might fit into your broader financial and giving plans. You don’t need to have a fully developed giving strategy or know exactly which organizations you want to support. Whether you have a specific vision or are just beginning to think about your charitable giving, this conversation helps us understand what’s important to you.
Smart giving tip: ACF can accept a variety of complex assets that other providers may not. If you’re considering contributing these types of assets, talk with our team early so we can help you understand your options.
Establish your fund and make your first gift.
Once you’ve decided to open at DAF at ACF, we’ll work together to determine how your fund will be structured. This includes: if you’d like to open your fund with a gift of cash, stock, or other asset; who will be involved in recommending grants, such as a spouse or children; and how you envision using your fund over time.
We’ll help you complete your fund agreement and any other necessary documents, then coordinate your initial gift to your fund—providing an immediate tax deduction, while giving you the flexibility to recommend grants over time.
Get oriented with ACF!
Once your DAF is established, you’ll receive documentation for your records, including your signed fund agreement and acknowledgement of your initial contribution. Then, you’ll receive access to ACF’s Fund Portal, where you can view your fund balance, recommend grants, and access resources. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an ACF team member to learn how to navigate the fund portal, ask any lingering questions, and discuss your giving goals.
Throughout your time as a fundholder, the ACF team can help you connect your giving to the issues you care about and provide opportunities to make the most of your fund. Whether you have a question about the grant recommendation process or want to talk through an idea for your giving, we’re here as a resource.
Smart giving tip: Interested in learning more about local needs and opportunities? ACF provides opportunities to help you explore issues shaping Central Texas and find new ways to engage in the community.
A fund that grows with your giving.
You don’t have to know exactly where your charitable giving will take you when you open a fund. A DAF gives you a place to organize your giving today, with the flexibility to adapt as your interests, priorities, and circumstances change.
As you continue your giving journey, ACF remains a resource. Whether you’re considering a new charitable opportunity, involving the next generation of your family, or thinking about how to make your giving go further, our team is here to help.
Interested in opening a donor-advised fund? Start a conversation with our team at heretohelp@austincf.org.
