Tina Podlodowski is a board member of the Jefferson Community Foundation. Each month, Tina will be sharing some of the different ways a that a Community Foundation works to build resilience and bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities and play a key role in identifying and solving community problems.
In honor of our friends at the Wooden Boat Festival (and all those awesome boats!), here a quick update on the “nautical vehicle” that lifts the giving tide around here in Jefferson County – our Donor Advised funds!
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at Jefferson Community Foundation (JCF) is a flexible and impactful tool for local philanthropy, offering so many ways to fund and spend for causes in Jefferson County—and beyond. Thanks to smart, diversified investing via JCF, your DAF funds have the potential to grow over time, further increasing the good they can do in our community and elsewhere.
And, it doesn’t take a zillion dollars to start a DAF – talk to us about how you can, and here is my top five list on how to fund one:
Top Five Ways to Fund a JCF DAF
1) Cash donations: Simple and immediate, cash gifts are the most direct way to begin or add to a DAF. That doesn’t mean a brown bag fill of ones (although it could) but checks and credit card contributions work too!
2) Appreciated securities: By contributing stocks, mutual funds, or bonds, donors can often avoid capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction, ALL at the same time.
3) Real estate and non-cash assets: Gifts of property or other assets (like cars, art, appraised coins or stamps) can be accepted, sometimes with significant tax advantages. (Sadly, those Hummels we received from Great Aunt Ruth after she passed did not appreciate in the way she hoped. Neither did the Beanie Babies!)
4) Transfers from private foundations: Have a family foundation and tired of dealing with accountants, tax returns, and required disbursements? Families can consolidate philanthropy by moving assets from a private foundation into a DAF for less administration and much greater flexibility.
5) Planned gifts or bequests: Is JCF in your will? Donors can establish or add to a DAF through wills, trusts, or IRA distributions, ensuring long-term legacy giving. And, it’s a much longer conversation, but let’s get coffee and talk Charitable Remainder Trusts!
Ok – now the fun part!
1) Give grants to local nonprofits: Support organizations focused on food access, education, health, arts, and other community needs in Jefferson County.
2) Support JCF collaborative initiatives: Fund projects that address issues like affordable housing or youth enrichment programs coordinated by JCF and community partners.
3) Support our responsive disaster/emergency relief funds: We know disasters and fires can strike our area at any time – the Bear Gulch Fire is just a reminder right now! JCF can quickly direct resources to address natural disasters or community emergencies as needs arise, as we proved with over $1M out the door with lightening speed with our COVID relief fund.
4) Give seed funding for new programs: JCF catalyzes innovation by giving local nonprofits the means to try fresh ideas and pilot projects. And JCF has some great projects too!
5) Gifts to organizations outside the county: While many donors prioritize Jefferson County, DAF grants can go to ANY qualified nonprofit in the U.S.—supporting causes wherever the donor’s heart leads.
Why are DAFS a great idea: Smart Investing at JCF!
JCF DAFs are professionally managed, with each donor able to choose long-term, short-term, or socially responsible investment pools. We combine with the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s $160 million pool to supersize our investments AND returns. JCF quarterly performance reports demonstrating how your charitable resources are being stewarded for maximum impact, in the way you want to invest. And, unlike funds at for-profits like Fidelity or Schwab, our fees go right back into our community, not “company pockets”.
Finally, at JCF, DAF holders enjoy personalized service and the flexibility to recommend grants at any time, automate recurring support, and even give anonymously, via actual live staff who actually live in Jefferson County and know our people, place, and needs. By funding initiatives close to home—or extending their reach—JCF donors play a vital part in building a stronger, more vibrant Jefferson County, today and for generations to come.
What are we waiting for? Join me and my family, and start a DAF! For more information, contact JCF and discover how a donor advised fund can help turn your philanthropic vision into reality—locally and beyond!
