A donor advised philanthropic fund (DAF) is a gift that is accepted and managed by the JCEF. The fund generally bears the name of the donor or another individual selected by the donor. You can recommend grants to a full range of charitable organizations in the Jewish and general communities. More than 7,000 organizations are on our list of approved public charities, and more are added monthly.

Frequently asked questions about donor advised funds

For funders with a Donor Advised Fund, staff are available to provide the following services:

• Clarify your values, mission and funding priorities
• Develop a giving plan
• Re-evaluate past giving in light of current goals
• Engage the next generation
• Gift planning to secure your legacy into the future

Advantages:

• Easy to start
• $5,000 minimum gift
• Additions can be made at any time
• Optimum tax advantages
• Charitable giving centralized in a single fund
• Grants are made to a full range of approved public charities
• Simple record-keeping
• May be named for a donor or a loved one
• Variety of investment options
• Professional assistance in grantmaking available
• JCEF Online login: View fund balances and make grant recommendations via the Internet

Best assets:

(the best types of assets to contribute to a donor advised philanthropic fund)

• Cash
• Appreciated stocks and bonds
• Israel bonds
• Closely held businesses
• Real estate

Forms:

All forms are in PDF format (requires free Acrobat Reader)

• Fees and Policies
• Form to establish a donor advised philanthropic fund
• Form to recommend grants
• Form to transfer stock or wire funds
• Investment Selection Form
• Investment Change Form