Giving through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is easy, impactful, and tax-efficient
What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A DAF is a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to support causes you care about. It functions like a charitable savings account, similar to a 401(k) for giving. You contribute to your DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits, such as California CASA.
How it works
Donor gives cash or appreciated asset to their DAF
Donor then receives tax deduction
Funds are invested and grow tax-free
Donor selects timing, recipient (California CASA), and amount
California CASA receives funds
Why give through DAF?
Tax Efficiency:
Maximize tax savings with upfront deductions, avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, and grow your giving tax-free.
Convenience:
Manage all your giving in one convenient place.
Accessibility:
Many DAF providers have low minimum contribution requirements, mobile apps, and a dedicated payment option (DAFpay) that make giving more seamless.
Impact:
Research shows that donors are more likely to give twice as much to the causes they love once they establish a DAF.
Give Through DAF Direct
Recommend a grant from your existing Donor Advised Fund and make an immediate impact! Clients of BNY Mellon, Fidelity Charitable, and Schwab Charitable can make a designation through the DAF Direct window on this page.
“When considering how best to support California CASA and its mission to serve foster youth, my wife and I chose to make a recurring gift through our Donor-Advised Fund. This approach ensures we can provide consistent, dedicated support. California CASA uses these resources to drive the systems change needed to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable youth. We truly believe California CASA is a catalyst for our state, for local CASA programs, and most importantly, for the children they serve.”
- Zack Scott, California CASA Board Member
Don’t Have a DAF Yet?
Below is a simple guide on how to open a DAF
Step 1: Choose a DAF Provider
You can open a DAF through many financial institutions or community foundations.
Some of the most common national DAF sponsors include:
Already have a financial advisor? Ask them if your current institution offers DAFs.
Step 2: Open Your Account
Create an account
Name your DAF (e.g., “The Smith Giving Fund”)
Make an initial contribution
Visit the provider’s website and follow their process to open a DAF account.
You’ll need to:
Step 3: Fund Your DAF
Cash or checks
Appreciated stocks or mutual funds
Cryptocurrency or other non-cash assets
You can contribute:
Contributions are tax-deductible in the year they are made.
Step 4: Recommend Grants to California CASA
Once your DAF is funded, you can begin recommending grants to causes you care about—like California CASA!
Here’s the information you’ll need:
Name: California CASA Association
EIN: 68-0161898
Mailing Address: 3525 Del Mar Heights Rd. #243 San Diego, CA 92130-2122
Or, use our online DAF tool (linked to widget).
Step 5: Repeat Anytime
You can contribute to your DAF at any time, grow your charitable funds through
investment, and recommend grants when you’re ready to make an impact.
Questions? We’re Here to Help
Contact Jenna Snyder, Manager of Annual Giving at:
Email: jsnyder@californiacasa.org
Phone: (619) 210-2347