Give today. illuminate the future.
What Is a Donor-Advised Fund?
A Donor Advised Fund is a charitable giving account established at a sponsoring organization, such as a community foundation, financial institution, or charitable trust.
When you contribute to a DAF:
- You make an irrevocable charitable donation
- You may receive an immediate tax deduction (subject to IRS rules)
- You can recommend grants to qualified nonprofits over time
In many ways, a DAF works like a charitable savings account—allowing you to give when you’re ready and where it matters most to you.
Why Donors Choose Donor Advised Funds
Many donors use DAFs because they are:
Simple: DAFs streamline charitable giving by consolidating donations into one account and reducing paperwork.
Flexible: You can recommend grants to one or many nonprofits over time, in amounts that work for you.
Strategic: DAFs allow donors to separate the tax decision from the giving decision, making it easier to plan thoughtful, long term philanthropy.
Family Centered: Many donors involve children or grandchildren in recommending grants—passing along values of generosity and community impact.
How Giving Through a DAF Works
- You establish a Donor Advised Fund with a sponsoring organization. Some of LFSRM’s current DAF donor’s have used The Denver Foundation, Thrivent, and or Fidelity but there are many more. Start with your financial institution or financial advisor for guidance.
- You contribute assets (cash, appreciated securities, or other eligible assets)
- You recommend grants to nonprofits like LFSRM
- The sponsoring organization reviews and distributes the grant
Grants can often be made online in just a few minutes.
Supporting Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Through Your DAF
You can recommend a grant from your Donor Advised Fund to LFSRM at any time.
When making your recommendation:
- Use our legal name: Lutheran Social Services of Colorado
- Our tax ID (EIN): [84-0775550]
- Mailing address: 1035 Osage St., Suite 700, Denver CO, 80204
If your DAF allows, you may also choose to make your gift:
- Unrestricted, allowing us to direct funds where they are most needed
- Designated for a specific program or purpose
If you have questions, we’re always happy to help.
A Thoughtful Way to Create Lasting Impact
Giving through a Donor Advised Fund allows you to be intentional, flexible, and impactful—while supporting the causes that reflect your values. We are deeply grateful to the donors who choose to support LFSRM through their DAFs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my DAF for recurring or annual giving?
Yes. Many donors use DAFs to support organizations they care about on a regular basis—monthly, annually, or in response to specific needs.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes. DAFs allow you to recommend grants anonymously or with recognition, depending on your preference. Sometimes, even when the donor requests their name is shared with the recipient organization, this information is not always passed along. If you would like to ensure we know a gift came from you, please send us an email at fundraising@lfsrm.org.
Can I name LFSRM as a successor or beneficiary?
Many DAF sponsors allow you to name charitable organizations as successor beneficiaries, ensuring your philanthropic values continue beyond your lifetime.
If you would like help making a DAF gift or have questions about how your support can make the greatest impact, please contact:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisor to determine what is appropriate for your individual situation.