Why open a donor-advised fund (DAF)
A DAF allows you to donate funds to your charitable account where they can be invested to grow more dollars to charity. The funds are then ready to be granted to your charities of choice.
As you learn more about the basics of DAFs, you’ll see the advantages of giving with this giving vehicle. Here are just a few of the most popular benefits:
Maximize your charitable tax deduction
Receive an immediate tax deduction when you give to your Vanguard Charitable account. At the end of the year, you get a single receipt for your taxes because all your giving is in one place.
Reduce capital gains or estate taxes
With a DAF, you gain greater flexibility to strategize how you’ll reduce taxes while increasing your giving.
Get more giving support
When you open your Vanguard Charitable account, immediately access a curated menu of investments, our charitable guidance, and our expert granting due diligence process.
Frequently asked questions about giving from a Vanguard account
How will giving with a donor-advised fund affect my taxes? How much is my donation worth?
A donor-advised fund provides donors with more flexible tax strategies. In our Charitable Tax Center, you’ll find many resources, including our guides about getting the most of your charitable tax deduction, valuing your donations, and our tax calculator.
Is Vanguard Charitable part of Vanguard?
Vanguard Charitable was founded by The Vanguard Group, Inc. as an independent public charity, 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more about our story as a leading grantmaker and how we’ve supported our donors since 1997.
How do I use the Philanthropic Center? How do I give from my Vanguard account?
Detailed instructions for linking your Vanguard and Vanguard Charitable account and contributing are provided on our give directly from your Vanguard account page.
I have a private foundation. Can I use a Vanguard Charitable account?
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) and private foundations are both impactful giving vehicles with some similarities, but many of their own benefits. There are Vanguard Charitable donors who maintain private foundations and a DAF, allowing them to maximize the benefits of both giving tools. If you’d like to learn more about adding a Vanguard Charitable DAF to your philanthropic strategy or you already have a private foundation at Vanguard Institutional and want to learn more about Vanguard Charitable, contact us.
Didn’t find an answer to your question? Check out our full list of frequently asked questions.
Ready to streamline the benefits of giving with your Vanguard account?
Open your Vanguard Charitable account and unlock more benefits of giving.
Maintenance fee may be applied
Accounts having a balance below $25,000 may be subject to an annual maintenance fee of $250.
You are eligible for special rates
Our premier clients enjoy reduced pricing to further maximize their impact.
Our representatives are happy to guide you through.