Over the years, our team has spoken with many people who are surprised to learn just how many charitable giving options are available through the Wayne County Foundation, including legacy gifts and lifetime giving vehicles like donor-advised funds. Even some who already have a donor-advised fund at a national financial institution may not realize that they could have established that fund right here at the Wayne County Foundation.
Establishing a donor-advised fund is a terrific first step toward creating a comprehensive charitable giving plan. October is a particularly good time to explore the role a donor-advised fund can play in your philanthropic strategy. That’s because October 9 is DAF Day 2025, a national celebration of donor-advised funds and the impact they make in communities across the country.
If you already have a donor-advised fund at a national financial institution, the good news is that it’s never too late to transfer the fund to the Wayne County Foundation. Donor-advised funds at the Wayne County Foundation offer the same tax and administrative advantages as those at national firms, including:
- Online account access and simple grant request processes
- Consolidated tax reporting and full back-office administration
- Useful as a tool for “bunching” by front-loading several years of charitable giving into a single tax year to exceed the standard deduction threshold
- Dollars in the fund support favorite charities over time, enabling strategic giving
Here’s where a donor-advised fund at the Wayne County Foundation really stands out:
- Personal guidance and deep community knowledge of staff members who live and work in our region
- Close relationships with nonprofit leaders and organizations across multiple fields
- Tailored advice, local insights, and opportunities to collaborate with others who share donors’ interests
- Administrative fees support the Wayne County Foundation’s operations, which in turn help sustain and expand services for donors and the community
If you haven’t yet established a donor-advised fund at the Wayne County Foundation, we would welcome the opportunity to serve you! Here, your fund will be managed with the highest level of care, grounded in a true understanding of community needs, and supported by professionals committed not only to your goals but also to the health and vibrancy of our region. Together, we can ensure your charitable assets accomplish exactly what you intend—whether that means making an immediate difference, planning for the future, or both.