Donor-advised funds

More ways to give. One convenient resource.

Now you can support Upstate and other causes you care about!

Let us assist you with your charitable giving. If philanthropy is one of your priorities, establishing a donor-advised fund at the Upstate Foundation may be the next best step toward achieving your charitable goals. 

A donor-advised fund can be established by an individual or company at the Foundation in order to disburse charitable gifts to qualified not-for-profit organizations. This includes, of course, Upstate Medical University as well as local and national nonprofits that are meaningful to you. Simplify your giving and enjoy the tax advantages of a donor-advised fund.

How our donor-advised funds work

Donor-advised funds can be established for a minimum of $5,000 or $10,000. 

  • $5,000 – A donor-advised fund established for $5,000 functions similarly to the Foundation’s restricted funds in that the principal is guaranteed, not invested, and an administrative fee is not charged. 

  • $10,000 – A donor-advised fund established for a minimum of $10,000 can be likened to an investment account dedicated solely to a donor’s charitable giving. The principal is invested through the Foundation, generating investment returns. Both the principal and investment returns are available for spending based on the donor’s areas of interest. Although this type of donor-advised fund is not a lifelong fund like an endowment, a donor may appoint a successor to continue his or her legacy of giving.

In either case, you “advise” the Foundation on how your charitable dollars are to be spent – and we’ll do all the rest, including making sure your giving goals are met, setting the fund up, establishing contact with your preferred charities, and reporting back to you on annual basis (including documentation you can use for tax purposes).

Click here to read more or download information sheet to share with your financial advisor.

Click here to fill out our Donor-Advised agreement form in order to complete the application process. 

DAF donors

Stephanie Vavonese  “My goal is to give back to the community. With my donor-advised fund managed by the Upstate Foundation, it’s so easy. It’s a great partnership.” As founder and owner of SMV Recruiting, based in downtown Syracuse, Stephanie Vavonese learned early on about the importance of giving back. It’s one of many reasons she recently established a donor-advised fund at the Upstate Foundation. Read more…

 

 

 

For existing DAF advisors, click here to submit distribution requests to qualified charitable organizations from your fund. 

Learn more or get started in setting up your donor-advised fund!

If you have any questions on setting up a donor-advised fund for a convenient and expertly managed fund for all of your charitable gifts, contact the Upstate Foundation at 315-464-4416, or use contact form below and someone will reach out to you.

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