Donor Advised Funds

"In 1969, I graduated from Wheaton with deep gratitude for the opportunity to earn a college degree, an opportunity that my parents had not been afforded. I was also aware that without the scholarship Wheaton had awarded me, it would not have been possible. For that reason, I have given something to Wheaton every year since, even in the early years when my gifts were very small. In 2011, when our financial situation was more secure, I established an Endowed Trustee Scholarship Fund, which has been a source of great satisfaction, particularly when I have received information on the current recipient. What a delight it has been occasionally to get an email thanking me for my contribution. It is difficult to express to them from this distant perspective how much that college degree has been worth, not only in preparing me to be a public school French teacher, but also to be an educated citizen of the world. What I learned at Wheaton has informed and enriched every aspect of my life as I parent, grandparent, work for and contribute to non-profits, respond to political and social issues, and enrich my inner life. My annual gifts to Wheaton have increased and are now granted through a Donor Advised Fund. I am glad to be able to give back to an institution that has meant so much to me."

— Linda Morrison Zug '69

The who, what, and why of donor advised funds (DAF)

A donor advised fund is a specialized financial account used for charitable giving. It allows individuals to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction and then make grants to 501(c)(3) organizations over time.

The average age when someone opens a DAF is 55, but, the fastest-growing group is younger than 40.

The money in a DAF can also grow tax-free and be donated at any time in the future. There are no time limits or distribution requirements for DAFs today.

With a DAF, you can make gifts to Wheaton and other charities during your lifetime, and when you pass away, your heirs can carry on your legacy of giving.

If you have questions about donor advised funds, please contact us.