Donor Advised Funds

Gift from a Donor-Advised Fund: Rita Remembers The Salvation Army's Kindness

Rita was a dedicated librarian who spent her career fostering a love for learning and helping others. As she approached her later years, Rita, who never married and had no heirs, wanted her passion for community service to benefit future generations.

Rita's choice of charity was deeply personal. When she was a child, her mother, a single parent of four, had relied on The Salvation Army for basic needs support. The memory of the help they received during difficult times stayed with Rita, and she wanted to give back to the organization that had once been there for her family.

Over dinner that evening, Rita considered an idea she had recently come across-a donor-advised fund (DAF). This would allow her to donate appreciated assets to fund a DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to The Salvation Army.

The next day, she met with her financial advisor, Mark. As they sipped coffee in his office, Mark explained how a DAF works and its benefits. By donating her appreciated assets to the DAF, she could avoid capital gains tax and support The Salvation Army. "This is an excellent option for me," Rita said, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I can secure my financial future and still have a meaningful impact on causes I care deeply about." Mark helped her establish the DAF and transfer her appreciated assets.

Months turned into years, and her decision enriched Rita's life. She used the DAF to support initiatives that resonated with her-providing educational resources for underprivileged children, funding youth development programs, and contributing to disaster relief efforts. Each grant she recommended brought her closer to her community and strengthened her sense of purpose.

Note: This story's names and details represent typical donors and may not reflect an actual donor to our organization.