What is a donor advised fund?
A donor advised fund allows the donor to make a contribution and receive a tax deduction at the time of the gift before choosing the eventual recipient of the funds. Therefore donors who wish to make a tax-deductible donation now but are not yet sure which charity they want to support may find the donor advised fund useful.
In addition, GiveWell uses the donor advised fund to facilitate non-cash donations (such as appreciated stock) to our recommended charities and receive non-cash donations for operating support.
How do the mechanics of grant recommendation and tax receipt work?
- You donate to a fund held by GiveWell through Vanguard Charitable. Your donation is tax deductible for the year in which you make it and you will receive a receipt from Vanguard Charitable for your tax purposes.
- Legal control of the funds belongs to Vanguard Charitable. Authority to recommend grants belongs to GiveWell. GiveWell will recommend a grant based on your preference.
- The minimum size for a donation is $5,000. GiveWell can also receive stock (including donations worth less than $5,000) through our E*Trade brokerage account; interested donors should email info@givewell.org for details.
- Vanguard Charitable charges a total of 0.70% per year on assets held on the fund (0.60% administrative fees and 0.10% for the Money Market pool in which assets are held - details here).
- To make a donation, you must complete the forms and paperwork detailed below.
How do I make a gift to GiveWell's donor advised fund?
Donations to GiveWell's donor advised fund must be at least $5,000 in size.
Recommending a grant
Once you have decided which charity you'd like to support, please let us know and we will recommend a grant to the charity you select.
Where can I read the fund's official policies and guidelines?
Vanguard Charitable’s policies and guidelines are available here.
What if I have other questions?
Please contact us.