On Thursday, October 9th, the Special Education Foundation is joining with hundreds of nonprofits across America to participate in DAF Day 2025.
DAF Day is a national day of giving with donor-advised funds.
A Donor Advised Fund, or "DAF" as they are commonly called, is a tax-advantaged charitable giving account. DAFs are often compared to a 401(k) for retirement savings or a Health Savings Account (HSA) for healthcare expenses.
Opening a DAF account is a straightforward process that anyone can do. Whether you're an individual, a couple, a family, or a company, you can easily set up a DAF account at one of more than 1,100 providers across the country. The simplicity of DAFs has contributed to their recent surge in popularity, making them an effective tool for increasing giving capacity and streamlining philanthropy.
3 Ways a DAF Helps You Give More
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a powerful tool that enhances the effectiveness of your charitable giving.
Here are three ways it helps your dollars go further:
Maximize Tax Savings
One of the most significant benefits of a DAF is the full tax deduction you receive for your contribution in the year you make it. This is particularly useful for 'bunching': making a substantial contribution to your DAF in one year to surpass the standard deduction threshold, then distributing the funds to charities over several subsequent years. It's a smart financial move that maximizes your tax savings and your charitable impact.
The biggest tax win? You can donate appreciated assets, such as stocks or mutual funds, and avoid paying capital gains tax on the growth of these assets. Plus, once in the DAF, your funds are invested and grow tax-free!
Grow Your Giving Through Investment
When you contribute to a DAF, your charitable dollars are immediately invested in the market, allowing your giving budget to grow passively over time. This means your generosity automatically increases, making your future grants even more impactful. It's a powerful way to grow your giving and make a lasting difference.
Simplify Giving with Built-in Accountability
A DAF acts like a dedicated "giving budget" or "charity gift card." By setting aside funds at the start, you eliminate the constant decision-making and budgeting. Instead of asking, "Can I afford to give?" you ask, "Who should I donate to?" This makes you more intentional, proactive, and generous with your support.
If you haven't set up a DAF yet, this link can help you get started.
If you already have a DAF, you can support the Special Education's Mission of assisting students with disabilities in St. Louis County by donating now at this link.
Just type in "Special Education Foundation" in the search box, and you'll be directed straight to our DAF Day Donation Page.
