Q&A: Why more donors are choosing a donor advised fund

A donor advised fund is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to give. Anne Calder, president of philanthropy at the Quad Cities Community Foundation, sat down to talk about why so many donors choose donor advised funds, and why working with a local community foundation makes all the difference.

What makes donor advised funds so popular?

Anne Calder, Vice President of Philanthropy

Anne: Flexibility and convenience. A donor advised fund allows you to make a charitable gift when the timing is right for you, receive an immediate tax deduction if you’re eligible, and then recommend grants to the nonprofits you care about whenever you’re ready. Some people like to make grants throughout the year. Others prefer to take time researching organizations or involve their family in deciding where to give. You have the freedom to do that.

What makes having a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation different?

Anne: When you work with the Community Foundation, you’re working with people who know you, understand your values, and care about the community you love. We get to know what matters most to you and help make your charitable giving as meaningful, effective, and easy as possible.

At the same time, you remain in control. You recommend when grants are made and which qualified organizations receive them, whether they’re here at home or elsewhere in the country. Our role is to make the process simple, carry out your charitable wishes promptly, and be a trusted resource whenever you need us.

Many donors think about the future when they create a fund. How does that work?

Anne: From the very beginning, we help donors think through what they want their charitable legacy to look like. Many choose successor advisors so children or grandchildren can continue recommending grants. Others establish long-term charitable plans that reflect the causes they’ve supported throughout their lives. And some choose to have their fund sunset at a certain point. Having those decisions documented, with flexibility to change in the future if you wish, provides confidence that your intentions will continue to guide your philanthropy for years to come.

Beyond convenience, what's the greatest benefit of working with a local community foundation?

Anne: Local knowledge paired with long-term stewardship. We’ve been serving donors for more than 60 years, and we’re here for the long haul. We know the organizations creating positive change in our communities, understand emerging needs, and can connect donors with creative opportunities they may never have discovered on their own. Most importantly, we're committed to honoring each donor's charitable intent. Your philanthropy reflects your values, and we're here to help ensure those values continue making an impact.

Interested in learning more, opening a donor advised fund, or moving your fund from a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider to your local Community Foundation? We’d love to share our local knowledge, personalized support, and help you create a deeper connection to the community you care about. Contact Anne Calder at annecalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org or 563-326-2840.