Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) - Saint Paul College

Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the U.S., and for good reason. They offer a tax-smart, flexible, and efficient way to support the causes you care about, including Saint Paul College.

What is a donor-advised fund?
A donor-advised fund is like a charitable savings account. You make a contribution to a DAF account at a sponsoring organization (usually a public charity affiliated with a financial institution), receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to your favorite charities over time. It’s a simple and powerful way to manage your charitable giving.

How it works

Step 1: Open

Choose a sponsoring organization that aligns with your values and open a DAF account.

Step 2: Contribute

Make a tax-deductible contribution to your DAF using cash, stocks, or other assets.

Step 3: Invest

Your contributions are invested and can grow tax-free within the DAF.

Step 4: Grant

When you’re ready, recommend grants to Friends of Saint Paul College. The sponsoring organization will handle the grant distribution.

Giving to Saint Paul College from your DAF is easy.

Contact your sponsoring organization and provide them with the following information to recommend a grant:

Legal name: Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation

Federal tax ID: 27-1631689

Mailing address: 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Designation: Specify where you’d like your gift to be directed (e.g., scholarships, programs, unrestricted funds.

Why chose a donor-advised fund?

Here are four ways it can benefit you:

Tax-Smart Giving: Receive an immediate tax deduction when you contribute, even if you distribute grants later, maximizing your impact.
Flexibility & Control: Support multiple charities and recommend grants at your own pace, all from a single account.
Simplicity & Efficiency: Streamline your charitable giving, reduce paperwork, and easily track your donations.
Growth & Legacy: Your contributions can grow tax-free, increasing your giving power and allowing you to establish a lasting legacy of support.

Tips for Choosing a DAF Sponsor

Research sponsoring organizations: Compare fees, investment options, and granting policies.
Understand the rules: Familiarize yourself with the DAF sponsor’s policies on grant recommendations, minimum contributions, and acceptable assets.
Align with your values: Choose a sponsoring organization that supports your philanthropic goals and values.

Let’s be friends!

Contact Austin Calhoun at austin.calhoun@saintpaul.edu to start a conversation about becoming an unrestricted donor and partnering with us in supporting student success.