All that and more: Community Foundation versus commercial donor-advised fund

Across the country, donor-advised funds have become one of the most effective ways for individuals and families to manage their charitable giving. Yet what we often find in conversations with estate planning attorneys, wealth advisors and CPAs is that many clients (and even some advisors) do not realize they already have access to a more personal, more connected version of this tool right here at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. 

Consider the situation of a hypothetical client, Debbie Jones, who had established a donor-advised fund at a national financial institution simply because it was the default option presented when she opened her investment accounts. Debbie enjoyed supporting her favorite charities, involving her grandchildren in giving decisions and maintaining the administrative simplicity of a donor-advised fund. What she did not know, however, was that the same benefits—and more—were available through the Foundation, where she had served on a committee and attended events for years.

During a routine review with her advisor, Debbie mentioned a desire to “feel more connected” to the impact of her giving and to better understand the needs of the community she cared about. Her advisor reached out to us to explore whether her donor-advised fund could be handled locally. Debbie was surprised to learn how seamless the process could be and how little would change in terms of administration. She would still enjoy all the features she valued: online access to view balances, contributions and grants; an easy process for recommending gifts; consolidated tax reporting; comprehensive administrative support; and the same favorable deductibility limits for contributions of cash, stock, or other assets. Nothing became more complex from a tax or compliance standpoint.

The difference emerged in the level of service and connection. As soon as the new donor-advised fund was established at the Foundation, Debbie began working with staff members who understood the region, its nonprofits and its evolving challenges. When Debbie considered contributing appreciated real estate, she and her various advisors did not have to navigate the process on their own; we helped structure charitable recipient components of the transaction and coordinated with Debbie’s legal and tax advisors in real time. 

What’s more, as Debbie’s grandchildren became more interested in participating in family philanthropy, the Foundation facilitated conversations about values, legacy, and long-term charitable intent. We also provided Debbie with thoughtful research on nonprofits working in the areas she cared about most, along with invitations to programs and gatherings that deepened her understanding of community issues. And Debbie certainly appreciated that the administrative fees associated with her fund were reinvested locally, strengthening the very community she wished to support.

For Debbie’s advisor, the transition was straightforward. Working with the Foundation, it was easy to create a new donor-advised fund agreement that closely mirrored the terms of Debbie’s original fund, even incorporating updated successor provisions. Debbie then recommended a grant from her national donor-advised fund sponsor to the Foundation to fund the new donor-advised fund. Because transfers between donor-advised funds are tax-neutral, no income was recognized and no new charitable deduction was generated. The full balance was transferred in a single transaction, and before closing the original account, her advisor helped Debbie download past grant and contribution histories to ensure her records remained complete.

In the end, Debbie gained much more than a new location for her donor-advised fund—she gained a philanthropic partner. Debbie now receives the guidance, insight, and personal connection she had been seeking. Her advisor enjoys a collaborative relationship with the Foundation, ensuring that Debbie’s charitable plan aligns with her overall goals. And the community benefits from a donor who is more engaged, better informed and more connected to the organizations she supports.

This hypothetical scenario illustrates what happens when advisors and the community foundation work together to support clients like Debbie Jones. By transferring donor-advised funds to the community foundation, clients gain more than administrative convenience—they gain a meaningful, strategic philanthropic experience. If you have clients like Debbie Jones—or any clients seeking deeper purpose, more tailored support, or a closer connection to their community—we are honored to be your partner. Please reach out anytime!