What is a donor-advised fund?

A Donor-Advised Fund, or DAF, is a philanthropic investment account. Donors contribute assets (like cash, stocks, or other investments), receive an immediate tax deduction on one simple tax receipt, and make donations (recommend grants) to their favorite nonprofits over time. Assets in the fund have the potential to grow tax-free until the donor is ready to give. It’s a flexible, simplified way to support the charities you care about.

What is the benefit of a donor-advised fund? 

• Immediate tax benefits: Generally speaking, donors receive an income tax deduction the moment they contribute to their DAF, even if they choose to make charitable grants later on.
• Potential for growth: Contributions to a DAF can be invested and may grow over time, allowing donors to potentially give more to charitable organizations in the long run.
• Simplicity: Instead of handling many different charitable donations, a DAF allows donors to manage all their giving in one place.
• Privacy: Donors can choose to remain anonymous to the charity when recommending grants.

Why use the GoFundMe Giving Fund? 

The GoFundMe Giving Fund is a smarter, more impactful way to give. It combines the benefits of a donor-advised fund (DAF) with the trust and simplicity GoFundMe is known for, offering a centralized place to discover, donate to, and manage all your charitable giving.

The GoFundMe Giving Fund was created for everyday givers as well as individuals with more established philanthropic activities, including those who already have a DAF and are seeking a better experience. With contribution and donation minimums as low as $5, it democratizes access to strategic giving, making it easier than ever to support the charitable organizations that matter most to you.

You can contribute using cash, credit, or even stocks (coming soon), and your funds have the potential to grow tax-free until you're ready to give. You’ll get one consolidated tax receipt and can donate to over 1.4 million verified charitable organizations with just a few clicks. Check out this blog for more information on why you might choose GoFundMe Giving Fund over other DAF options.

What’s the difference between GoFundMe and the GoFundMe Giving Fund?

GoFundMe, Inc. and the GoFundMe Giving Fund (GFGF) are two separate entities with distinct purposes. 

GoFundMe, Inc. is a for-profit company that provides a platform to create, share, and support fundraisers for both individuals and nonprofits.

GoFundMe Giving Fund is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity. It is a DAF sponsor that receives, holds, invests, and distributes your charitable contributions in accordance with IRS guidelines.  Donors recommend donations (grants) from their account, specifying the charitable organization and the amount of the donation and then donations are distributed to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, which includes a broad range of charitable organizations.  

Relationship with GoFundMe Inc. The GoFundMe Giving Fund has engaged GoFundMe Inc. to provide administrative, technical, and operational services to offer and support Charitable Accounts. All GoFundMe Giving Fund Account Holder information is shared with GoFundMe Inc. and its employees, contractors, and third party partners to ensure the program is operated efficiently and that all Charitable Accounts are properly supported and managed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.