At the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, we often meet people who are surprised to learn just how many options they have when it comes to charitable giving. Whether it’s creating a legacy through a bequest or making a difference today through a donor advised fund (DAF), we help individuals and families turn their philanthropic goals into action.

One of the most flexible and accessible tools is the donor advised fund. Many people who already have donor advised funds at commercial firms don’t realize they could establish or transfer their fund to the Community Foundation, gaining the same benefits along with added advantages rooted in community connection and purpose.

As we recognize DAF Day on October 9, a national celebration of donor advised funds and the impact they make, we invite you to consider how a donor advised fund might align with your giving strategy.

Whether you’re starting fresh or already have a fund elsewhere, the Community Foundation is ready to partner with you.

Our donor advised funds offer:

• Online fund access and streamlined grantmaking
• Consolidated tax reporting and administrative support
• Strategic tools like “bunching,” to maximize tax benefits
• A long-term approach to giving that supports your priorities over time

And we offer benefits that commercial firms simply can’t match:

• Personal guidance from a dedicated team that lives and works in southeast Michigan
• Deep knowledge of local nonprofits, leaders, and needs across diverse fields
• Opportunities to collaborate with like-minded donors
• Administrative fees that support the Community Foundation’s mission of investing in the health and vibrancy of our region

If you’ve been thinking about how to make a greater impact, we’re here to help. Establishing a donor advised fund with the Community Foundation connects your generosity with thoughtful strategies and local insight. Together, we can ensure your charitable assets are working as hard and as intentionally as you are.

We welcome the opportunity to support your philanthropic journey. Let’s talk.