Over the years, our team has talked with a lot of people who are surprised to learn that they can set up such a wide variety of charitable giving vehicles at Whidbey Community Foundation, including legacy gifts as well as lifetime giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds. What’s more, some people who have already established a donor-advised fund at a national financial institution don’t realize that they could have set up that donor-advised fund at the community foundation.
Establishing a donor-advised fund is a terrific first step toward establishing a comprehensive charitable giving plan. And October is a particularly good time to evaluate the role of a donor-advised fund as part of 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 everywhere.
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 Whidbey Community Foundation. You’ll be glad to know that donor-advised funds at the community foundation can carry 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 community 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 many fields
– Tailored advice, local insights, and opportunities to collaborate with others who share donors’ interests
– Administrative fees support the community foundation’s operations, which in turn help sustain and expand services for donors and the community
If you haven’t yet set up a donor-advised fund at WCF, 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 who are committed not only to your goals but also to the health and vibrancy of our region. Together, we can make sure your charitable assets accomplish exactly what you intend—whether that means making an immediate difference, planning for the future, or both. Reach out to Holly Harlan at hollyh@whidbeyfoundation.org with any questions you may have.
The team at Whidbey Community Foundation is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in the community. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.