Donor-Advised Funds

Flexible. Tax-efficient. Faith-aligned.

DAFs let donors contribute now for an immediate deduction, invest for potential growth, and recommend grants to Catholic ministries, parishes, schools, and charities over time.

At a glance (FY2023): DAF charitable assets reached $251.52B; grants to charities totaled $54.77B; contributions into DAFs were $59.43B; average account size $141,120; payout rate near 24% (grants ÷ prior-year assets).^[1]

Why DAFs Matter Now for Catholic Organizations

Values alignment: Catholic sponsors offer USCCB-aligned investment options and ensure grants are consistent with Catholic teaching.^[2][3][4]
Donor experience: Simple setup, a single receipt for taxes, and the flexibility to give cash, appreciated stock, and (at some sponsors) complex assets.^[1]
Revenue & pipeline: Treat DAFs as a front door to major gifts, endowment building, and legacy/planned gifts through proactive stewardship.
Momentum in the Catholic world: National and diocesan platforms actively promote DAFs (e.g., Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund; Catholic Charities USA).^[5][6]

How a Catholic DAF Works

Contribute: Open or add to a DAF at a sponsor (cash, securities, sometimes business interests/real estate).
Invest: Select an investment pool; many Catholic sponsors offer USCCB-screened options.^[2][4]
Recommend grants: Support qualified Catholic organizations—parishes, schools, diocesan ministries, Catholic Charities, and more.^[3][6]
Steward impact: Receive updates, recognition options, and integrate DAF engagement with legacy planning.

Benefits for Catholic Donors

Immediate deduction; flexible timing: Capture the deduction now; recommend grants over time.^[1]
Tax-smart gifts of appreciated assets: Often avoid capital gains and potentially give more to mission (consult your advisor).^[1]
Faith-aligned stewardship: Confidence that investments and grant policies reflect Catholic values.^[2][4]
Privacy options: Choose recognition or anonymity subject to sponsor policies.^[1]

Benefits for Catholic Institutions

Meet donors where they give: Many already use DAFs—remove friction and make the DAF ask explicit.
Upgrade path: Use DAF relationships to open conversations about multi-year commitments, endowments, and estate gifts.
Mission clarity: Tie DAF grants to Catholic education, pro-life initiatives, parish life, evangelization, and social services with clear outcomes.
Differentiation: Market a “Catholic-aligned DAF experience” (values-screened investments, impact reporting, spiritual stewardship).

Where Catholic DAFs Are Active

Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund — a national DAF sponsor “created for Catholics.”^[5]
Catholic community foundations (e.g., Cleveland; Diocese of Venice/SW Florida) — DAFs with USCCB-aligned investing and Catholic grant focus.^[2][3][4]
Catholic Charities USA — maintains a DAF granting page and portal.^[6][7]

Policy & Compliance (Know the Basics)

The IRS/Treasury issued proposed regulations on November 13, 2023 (REG-142338-07) clarifying several DAF definitions and taxable distribution rules. These are not final; sponsors and grantees should monitor updates and consult counsel as needed.^[8][9][10]

FAQs

Can I use any DAF to support Catholic ministries?

Yes. You can recommend a grant from most sponsors to a qualified Catholic charity. If you want USCCB-aligned investing and Catholic grant policies, consider opening a DAF at a Catholic sponsor or community foundation.^[2][4]

Are there payout requirements for DAFs?

DAFs do not have a statutory minimum payout like private foundations. Industry data shows an aggregate payout rate near 24%. We encourage timely grantmaking to mission.^[1]

What assets can I contribute?

Cash and publicly traded securities are common. Some sponsors accept complex assets (e.g., privately held business interests, real estate). Check the sponsor’s gift acceptance policies.^[1]

What about anonymity and recognition?

Most sponsors allow you to choose recognition or anonymity when recommending a grant, subject to their policies.^[1]

Next Steps

Already have a DAF? Recommend a grant to [Your Catholic Organization]. We’ll report back on impact.
Exploring a Catholic DAF? Talk with us about opening a values-aligned DAF or aligning your existing DAF with Catholic priorities.
Advisors & gift officers: Contact us for sample language, bequest/beneficiary guidance, and Catholic DAF stewardship tools.

Sources

National Philanthropic Trust, 2024 Donor-Advised Fund Report (FY2023 data). PDF | Summaries: Wisconsin Philanthropy Network, AP
Catholic Community Foundation (Cleveland): “All funds managed under USCCB guidelines.” Link
Diocese of Venice / Catholic Community Foundation of SW Florida: Catholic-screened investing & Catholic grant focus. Link | PDF fact sheet Link
Catholic Community Foundation (Cleveland) DAF overview. Link
Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund (self-description as largest national DAF sponsor created for Catholics). Link | Grants milestone (KCCF). Link
Catholic Charities USA — DAF giving page. Link
CCUSA DAF portal (DonorFirst). Link
IRS/Treasury Proposed Regulations (REG-142338-07) — legal analyses. EY, Ropes & Gray, Patterson Belknap

Embed this free video on your website (click for embed code). Use it in communications, websites, bulletins to inspire giving from faith — not obligation.

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<div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1117875939?h=be20e1bef9&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="1 - The State or Your Faith? Who Decides."></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

Estate planning booklets included for free with over 50 Christian themed covers and editable content.

Some Facts
New study shows powerful faith-based giving trends among women
This is an opportunity of a lifetime for all churches right now.
This is an opportune time to preserve legacies and ensure the values of their parishioners live on.
With declining numbers and an aging demographic understanding this wealth transfer that is happening right now in America and how it will directly impact churches of all faith is extremely important
The importance of giving to Catholic organizations is greater than ever. 15% of all hospitals in the US are Catholic Hospitals. In some parts of the world, the Catholic Church provides the only healthcare, education, and social services available to people. Reference
The role of the Catholic Church in society has existed for many centuries. The Catholic Church is more than an institution. Its influence and authority extends beyond borders, embracing everyone from all walks of life. Reference.
Giving to faith-based organizations is still the largest percentage of total charitable contributions, so why are they not focused on planned giving?
People who are religiously affiliated are more likely to make a charitable donation of any kind, whether to a religious congregation or to another type of charitable organization. Sixty-two percent of religious households give to charity of any kind, compared with 46 percent of households with no religious affiliation. Giving USA Special Report of Giving to Religion
Frequent attendance at religious services is linked to both the likelihood of giving to religion and to making larger gifts to religion. People who attend religious services on a monthly basis are 11 times more likely to give to religious congregations, and they give an average of $1,737 more to religion per year than people who attend less than once a month. Giving USA Special Report of Giving to Religion.

Jordan Cassidy
Planned Giving Specialist

If you’re ready for the gifting source that goes beyond the collection plate, I invite you to get in touch today. There could not be a better time for planned giving.

Here’s my appointment page. I look forward to meeting soon.

The Story of Bob, R.I.P.

Planned Giving Micro Website for the Church

Estate Planning Guide for Catholics

Planned Giving and the Church

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Rebecca Price Janney, D. Min.; Dan Rice; John Foster, JD

10 Reasons For a Ministry of Giving

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Chris McLeod, JD

King David and His Planned Gift

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Jerry Rohtrbach, Gail Rodgers

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