Donor Advised Funds
Enjoy favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support Ohio State and your favorite charities.
A donor advised fund (DAF), which is like a charitable savings account, gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to The Ohio State University Foundation and other qualified charities. You can recommend a grant or recurring grants now to make an immediate impact or use your fund as a tool for future charitable gifts.
With The Ohio State University Foundation's Donor Advised Fund, you decide which Ohio State programs and other eligible charities to support according to your own interests and timetable. Your fund has the potential to grow tax-free in one of our investment options, ready to support your next philanthropic endeavor when the moment is right for you. If you already have your own fund with another provider, use our search tool below to connect now and make an impact.
How It Works
- Establish your donor advised fund with a gift of cash, appreciated stocks, bonds or other eligible marketable assets ($10,000 minimum gift). Receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction.
- Grow your fund in one of our investment options. Your fund has the potential to grow based on your investment preferences. Assets are managed and administered through our partner, The Columbus Foundation, which gives you the option to invest in one of the approved Vanguard family of funds.
- Distribute your fund by recommending grants to Ohio State and other desired charities according to your own timetable and interests. At least 50 percent of total gifts must be designated to Ohio State. The donor advised fund will make the grant payment, manage tax reporting and provide you with a tax receipt.
DAF Basics
Still learning about DAFs? Discover the ease of opening a donor advised fund—plus the advantages you’ll enjoy—with your FREE guide Centralize Your Giving With Donor Advised Funds.
Payments for Life
Your payments depend on your age at the time of the donation. If you are younger than 60, we recommend that you learn more about your options and download this FREE guide Plan for Retirement With a Deferred Gift Annuity.
An Example of How It Works
Joe and Laura want to give back to their community by putting their money where it will do the most good. They establish a $25,000 donor advised fund with The Ohio State University Foundation.
The couple receives a federal income tax charitable deduction for the amount of the gift. They also get all the time they need to decide which Ohio State programs and other charities to support.
After researching Ohio State and community needs, Joe and Laura recommend grants for Ohio State (which they’ve supported for years) and their local animal shelter. The Ohio State University Foundation makes the grant payments from the fund and manages all tax reporting. Joe and Laura are delighted to start this personal legacy of giving.
An Example of How It Works
Joe and Laura want to give back to their community by putting their money where it will do the most good. They establish a $25,000 donor advised fund with The Ohio State University Foundation.
The couple receives a federal income tax charitable deduction for the amount of the gift. They also get all the time they need to decide which Ohio State programs and other charities to support.
After researching Ohio State and community needs, Joe and Laura recommend grants for Ohio State (which they’ve supported for years) and their local animal shelter. The Ohio State University Foundation makes the grant payments from the fund and manages all tax reporting. Joe and Laura are delighted to start this personal legacy of giving.
Create Your Own Giving Plan
Create a secure plan for you, your loved ones, and the causes you care about with our complimentary Personal Estate Planning Kit.