As someone who cares deeply about the causes you support, it’s important to make sure your philanthropic efforts have a lasting impact. You’ve already invested time and resources into your donor advised fund (DAF), but what comes next? Whether you’re considering involving your family, naming a successor, or partnering with Austin Community Foundation (ACF) to ensure your philanthropic legacy continues, now is the perfect time to start planning for the future.
Creating a succession plan for your DAF is a meaningful step toward building a legacy rooted in your values. Let’s walk through some important questions and considerations to help you begin.
1. Who do you want to name as a successor?
Naming a successor is an essential step in continuing your philanthropic legacy. Your successor could be a family member, a trusted friend, or even a charitable organization. Once you decide on a successor, make sure to inform ACF of your wishes. If your plans are still just in your head—or jotted down somewhere informal—it’s time to take the next step.
ACF’s team is committed to offering educational and responsive support designed to meet the unique needs of our fundholders. Our goal is to provide the knowledge and tools to help you make informed decisions that reflect your values and create a meaningful, lasting impact. If you have questions about determining an appropriate successor or beginning the formal process, our staff is here to provide one-on-one support.
2. Have you shared your charitable intentions and values with your successor(s)?
Naming a successor is just the beginning. To truly preserve your philanthropic vision, the person or people stepping into this role must understand the heart behind your giving. ACF can work with you to create guidelines to keep your goals on track even after your lifetime.
Whether your giving is guided by a commitment to economic mobility, social justice, the arts, or another passion, sharing your “why” helps successors make informed, values-aligned decisions. Consider the following questions:
- What causes inspire you?
- Which nonprofits do you support year after year?
- Do you respond to emerging needs or focus on long-term issues?
Ultimately, your DAF can become more than a financial tool—it can be a meaningful bridge between generations, grounded in shared purpose and values.
Tip: Sharing this information with your successor(s) doesn’t have to be formal. A simple conversation over dinner or a letter of intent can go a long way in providing clarity. Some fundholders even create a family giving mission statement or schedule regular meetings to discuss grantmaking priorities. The goal is to offer clarity and context—so your successors feel confident carrying your vision forward.
3. How much direction do you want to provide?
When planning for the future of your DAF, one of the most personal decisions is how much control or flexibility you want to impart.
- Do you want your successor(s) to follow specific guidelines?
- Or would you prefer they choose causes that reflect their values?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some fundholders opt to set clear parameters—like directing a percentage of annual grants toward education or ensuring a specific nonprofit receives ongoing support. Others take a broader approach, allowing successors to determine the most pressing needs when the time comes.
Need help? ACF’s dedicated team can work with you to formalize your intentions through a letter of intent or detailed grantmaking instructions. We’re here to ensure your wishes are understood and honored.
4. Have you considered naming ACF as a beneficiary?
Not sure who to name as a successor—or want to ensure your giving continues in perpetuity? You can name Austin Community Foundation as the beneficiary of your DAF and support the Forever Austin Fund.
Forever Austin Fund: An Enduring Investment in Central Texas
For nearly 50 years, generous donors have entrusted legacy gifts to ACF to support the causes they care about. Together, these endowment funds create a permanent community resource—the Forever Austin Fund—that allows ACF to invest in Central Texas’s most pressing needs and greatest opportunities, now and for generations to come.
By leaving a planned gift to the Forever Austin Fund, your legacy will help create a stronger, more resilient community, ensuring that families and neighbors continue to benefit from your commitment today. Because of visionary donors like you, ACF can invest in emerging opportunities, address critical needs, and build a brighter future for everyone who calls Central Texas home.
Start Your Succession Plan Today
Your donor advised fund is more than a financial vehicle—it’s a reflection of your values, your vision, and your commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re ready to name a successor, document your giving intentions, or explore a legacy gift to the Forever Austin Fund, ACF is here to help.
Let’s work together to create a thoughtful plan that brings you peace of mind and empowers the next generation to carry your philanthropic legacy forward.
Ready to get started? Reach out to Arthur Brewer, Senior Gift Planning Officer, at abrewer@austincf.org to begin the conversation today.