Why I Love My Giving Fund (and Why You Should Consider One Too)

As the end of the year approaches, Dan and I always take time to reflect on our charitable giving—where we've given, how much we've contributed, and whether we’ve met the goals we've set for ourselves. One of the things I truly love about using my GiveWise Fund is the simplicity it brings to this process. For the past six years, I’ve been able to track every donation we’ve made, across every organization we support, all in one place. No searching for receipts, no second-guessing whether we hit our giving targets—everything is right there, clear as day.

It’s not just about organization, though. Another reason I love having a Giving Fund is that I always have a little money set aside for when someone comes asking for support. Whether it’s at a fundraising dinner or a friend’s daughter raising funds for a great cause, I know I have the resources ready to respond. It’s a flexible way to give generously, without feeling stretched or caught off guard.

Having a Giving Fund also means I get to see my impact in real time. The ability to pull up six years of data and know exactly how and where we’ve made a difference is both empowering and motivating. It helps me stay aligned with the causes I care about and ensures we’re always thoughtful about how we allocate our resources.

But beyond the personal benefits, there’s something powerful in the idea of a Giving Fund—whether you call it by its technical name, a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), or otherwise—that I believe more people should consider. A DAF offers the flexibility to set aside charitable dollars when it makes the most sense for you, and then give at your own pace. You can receive an immediate tax receipt and take the time to thoughtfully direct those funds to causes close to your heart.

A article by Ed Sluga I recently read on Donor-Advised Funds raised some important questions that anyone—whether a donor or charity—should consider when choosing a DAF provider. I’ve had the chance to talk about this in podcasts and presentations, and I can’t stress enough the importance of asking the right questions: 

  • What are the account opening minimums? 

  • How are grants handled? Minimums, maximums? 

  • What’s the fee structure? 

  • Are they tied to a financial institution, or independent? 

  • How do they work with advisors, if at all? 

  • Do they offer transparency to charities and provide a way for donors to connect directly with the causes they care about? 

At GiveWise, we believe that the answers to these questions matter. Are DAF providers here to serve donors and charities, or are they focused on preserving their assets under management (AUM)? It’s a sliding scale, but I believe that GiveWise is on the far end of the “serve” spectrum, designed to empower donors and maximize the impact of their giving. 

So if you haven’t considered using a Giving Fund, I encourage you to explore it. Whether you’re looking to simplify your giving, increase your impact, or gain greater control over how and when you give, a DAF might be the tool you didn’t know you needed.

Tammy Kyte, Executive Director

Share This Page