A note from our president:   2021 was not short of challenges, yet as we reflect on another year gone by, I want to remind you that you were a part of the good that happened. As Vanguard Charitable enters our 25th year, you’ve inspired me with your steadfast, ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and all its consequences while continuing to care for your favorite organizations. In 2021, Vanguard Charitable donors surpassed $1.7 billion in annual granting—a great new milestone.   Without a doubt, you’ve stepped up during this crisis to support the nonprofits and charities bolstering not only COVID-19 relief but other services for communities across the country and around the world. Our donors are often on the lookout for new charities to support. Many of you use our Discover Charities resource to respond to current events or develop your long-term philanthropic plan. There you’ll find the expertise of our network of trusted partners, as well as insights around topics that our donors frequently ask about.    As the highest value donor-advised fund (DAF), we are always looking for ways to lower the cost of charitable giving. In September, we reduced our administrative fees for all accounts with assets totaling $1 million or more. We project this fee reduction will create $1 million for charitable giving each year. $1 million!   This year, DAFs again proved to be a nimble giving tool. 50% of grants out the door in 2021 were unrestricted, showing that the dollar number is astounding, but the real impact may be felt from how those funds were given. Because half of all donations were unrestricted, charities could satisfy their greatest needs first.     The new year holds the promise of renewal for many, and Vanguard Charitable is no different. We are making plans to reopen our offices and bring our teams together under one roof. Office life may look a little different when we go back, but I’m looking forward to gathering in one place to support donors and drive our mission. Our focus for the future is on you, our donor, and the nonprofits you support.    Thank you again for your incredible generosity this year. It is a privilege to lead an organization that works alongside donors who change the world.     Rebecca Moffett

 A note from our chairman:

Fellow Donors,

2021 is certainly a year none of us will ever forget—for so many different reasons. There were, of course, severe challenges that adversely affected our local communities, country, and the world. But, amid the darkness and difficulties, there were also rays of light that inspired us, and that is undoubtedly true at Vanguard Charitable. I’d like to comment briefly on two such things.

First, “inspirational” is a word that I’ve used in these letters in the past to describe the generosity displayed by our donors, and never has that adjective been more appropriate than during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the very outset of the pandemic, you have been stalwarts of support for deserving charities so dramatically impacted by this global crisis. You have reacted quickly, frequently, and meaningfully to the immediate and unexpected needs our communities have faced. You have made a huge difference. Importantly, too, you have continued your support to the organizations that have been recipients of your generosity in more normal times. It’s a wonderful tribute to you that pandemic support didn’t come at the expense of your strategic philanthropy.  

The second ray of light that has been so valuable to our donors and the charities you support is our Vanguard Charitable team. Much as you have ‘been there’ for those organizations, our team has been there for you. As a result of our leaders’ disciplined contingency planning focused on both our business operations and their colleagues’ safety, our team went virtual almost overnight 22 months ago, and they have maintained service levels that are truly extraordinary in the face of a new way of working. Our team of 100+ mission-committed people have done simply incredible work to maintain Vanguard Charitable’s ability to help you make a difference in the world. Your board has never been more grateful to, or proud of, our people.

Lastly, I want to offer a note of thanks to our past president, Jane Greenfield, for her extraordinary leadership for the past six years. One of her most lasting legacies is the team she built and how she helped prepare our new president, Rebecca Moffett, to lead us into the future. Our organization is in great hands.

John J. Brennan