Should You Use A Donor-Advised Fund?


By Senior Advisor Andrew Schaetzke, CFP®.

With the growth in global investment markets in recent years, many investors are donating more to their communities and the causes they care about than ever before.[1] Based on Giving USA’s 2021 Annual Report, U.S. charities received a record $471.44 billion in donations in 2020, with more than two-thirds of these donations coming from individuals and families.[1]

Figuring out the best way for you to donate can be complex. There are a lot of different options on how to donate, including:

Each option has its own benefits and tradeoffs regarding taxes, costs, and flexibility. By understanding your options and creating the charitable strategy most appropriate for your situation, you can increase the chances that the organizations you most care about will receive the money that you intend for them.

To help you figure out the best way for you to donate to the organizations you care about, we provide the below resource. As always, we are here to help you as you begin your charitable journey. We can provide resources, experience and strategies that may be valuable to you. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.


Important Disclosure Information & Sources:

[1] “2021 Annual Report“. Giving USA, 2021, givingusa.org.

There is no guarantee investment strategies will be successful. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification neither assures a profit nor guarantees against a loss in a declining market.

Advisory services are provided by SJS Investment Services, a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SJS Investment Services does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your legal or tax professionals for specific advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only.

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