Building a Lasting Legacy: How Donor-Advised Funds Can Fulfill Your Philanthropic Dreams

At the Stablish Foundation, we help individuals and families turn their charitable visions into a lasting reality. Whether during life or through estate planning, establishing a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) allows donors to provide ongoing financial support for causes they care about, continuing their impact long after they’re gone.

A DAF offers flexibility, enabling donors to serve as advisors to their fund during their lifetime, making recommendations on which charities to support each year. Upon a donor’s death, their children or other designated individuals can take over as advisors, continuing the family’s philanthropic legacy for years to come.

How It Works: Creating Your Legacy

To create a DAF, donors work with the Stablish Foundation to draft a Statement of Charitable Intent. This document outlines the charities or causes you wish to support, and it can be as specific or general as you like. For example, you might direct funds to the University of Minnesota General Fund for broad support, or you may designate your gift specifically for brain cancer research. As your interests evolve, the Statement of Charitable Intent can be easily modified to reflect your changing philanthropic goals.

Some donors have very unique and personal goals for their DAFs, such as:

• Establishing scholarships for high school seniors with a C average.
• Funding cerebral palsy research and providing aid to families affected by the disease in memory of loved ones.
• Supporting the operating costs of a local church to ensure its financial stability.

The Power of a Donor-Advised Fund

DAF funds are kept in separate accounts, ensuring that your contributions are tracked and distributed according to your wishes. Typically, around 5% of the value of the fund at the end of each year is distributed to the designated charities in the following year. For example, if your DAF has $100,000, the following year’s contribution to charities would total $5,000.

By creating a DAF, donors can make a significant and lasting impact. Each year, the Stablish Foundation distributes approximately $800,000 to charitable organizations through DAFs. This ensures that the philanthropic goals of our donors continue to shape and support the community, creating a legacy that endures.

Why Choose Stablish Foundation?

At the Stablish Foundation, we’re honored to help donors manage their charitable gifts and fulfill their long-term philanthropic dreams. Whether you’re looking to make a one-time gift or create a multi-generational legacy, our team is dedicated to helping you craft a giving strategy that reflects your values and passions.

We thank our current and future donors for trusting us to help them create their legacy. Your generosity is building a brighter future for the causes and communities that matter to you.

By establishing a Donor-Advised Fund with the Stablish Foundation, you’re not only making an immediate difference—you’re creating a charitable legacy that can last for generations.