Paths to Protection is a blog series exploring the many ways you can help create a world where animals live free from cruelty and suffering. Each installment highlights a different way to give, so you can choose the path that’s right for you—and right for the animals you care about.
If you’re looking for a strategic and versatile way to manage your charitable giving, a donor-advised fund (DAF) could be the perfect fit. By donating through a DAF, you can simplify your giving, maximize tax benefits, and even create a legacy of multi-generational philanthropy—all while supporting the causes you care about most.
Streamlined Giving
A donor-advised fund acts as a central hub for your charitable contributions. Instead of sending separate gifts to multiple organizations, you can contribute to your DAF and recommend grants over time to the nonprofits you choose. We’ve partnered with FreeWill to provide a free DAF Giving tool that connects directly to your DAF custodian, making the process quick and easy. This saves you administrative effort so you can focus on the impact your generosity is creating.
Tax Advantages
When you contribute to your donor-advised fund, you may be eligible to claim an immediate tax deduction for the full fair market value of the assets you donate. This can help lower your taxable income and potentially reduce your overall tax liability. By leveraging these tax benefits, you can maximize your charitable contributions and free up more resources to protect animals and advance the causes you value.
Flexibility and Timing
Once you contribute to your DAF, you can recommend grants to qualified charities whenever the timing is right for you. This flexibility allows you to respond quickly to urgent needs, support time-sensitive campaigns, or take advantage of matching gift opportunities. With a DAF, you control the pace and strategy of your giving to ensure the greatest impact.
Investment Growth Potential
Your donor-advised fund contributions have the potential to grow over time, as the sponsoring organization invests the assets. This growth can increase the amount you’re able to give in the future, expanding the reach and impact of your philanthropy.
Anonymity and Privacy
If you prefer to keep your giving private, a DAF can help. When you recommend a grant, the sponsoring organization can list itself as the donor, allowing you to maintain anonymity while still making a meaningful impact.
Multi-Generational Philanthropy
DAFs can be a powerful way to pass on the values of generosity and compassion. You can name children, grandchildren, or other loved ones as co-advisors or successors to your fund, encouraging them to carry forward your commitment to protecting animals. This creates a legacy of advocacy and support that can last for generations.
Donor-Advised Funds in 2025
The core benefits of donor-advised funds remain the same, but there are several notable developments this year that make them more appealing than ever. Total assets held in DAFs are projected to exceed $300 billion in 2025, with grants expected to reach $68 billion, up from $59 billion in 2023. Recent trends show a growing interest in using DAFs to donate non-cash assets such as cryptocurrency and publicly traded securities. And while the IRS has considered proposals to limit donor control or require annual payouts, no new regulations have been finalized—meaning sponsoring charities and donor advisors still enjoy flexibility in how funds are managed. DAFs’ long-standing advantages of tax efficiency, privacy, and flexibility make 2025 a great time to consider whether a donor-advised fund fits into your giving strategy
Establishing a donor-advised fund provides a flexible, tax-smart, and strategic way to give. Whether you’re simplifying your giving, growing your contributions, or inspiring the next generation, a DAF can help you make a lasting difference for animals everywhere. Before opening a donor-advised fund or recommending a grant, please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for personalized guidance based on your circumstances.
To learn more, visit our dedicated DAF Giving page. You can also email our team.