Donor Advised Funds

Over the years, the team at the East Tennessee Foundation has talked with a lot of people who are surprised to learn that they can set up such a wide variety of charitable giving vehicles at the East Tennessee Foundation, including legacy gifts as well as lifetime giving vehicles such as donor advised funds.

Establishing a donor advised fund is a terrific first step toward establishing a comprehensive charitable giving plan. If you already have a donor advised fund at a national financial institution, you may want to consider transferring the fund to the East Tennessee Foundation. Donor advised funds at the East Tennessee Foundation carry the same tax and administrative advantages as those at national firms, including:

• Online account access and simple grant request processes
• Consolidated tax reporting and full back-office administration
• Useful as a tool for “bunching” by front loading several years of charitable giving into a single tax year to exceed the standard deduction threshold
• Dollars in the fund support favorite charities over time, enabling strategic giving

Donor advised funds at the East Tennessee Foundation have some advantages that may not be available at a national financial institution:

• Personal guidance and deep community knowledge of staff members who live and work in our region
• Close relationships with nonprofit leaders and organizations across many fields in our region
• Tailored advice, local insights, and opportunities to collaborate with others who share your interests
• Administrative fees support the East Tennessee Foundation’s operations, which in turn help sustain and expand services for donors and the region

If you have not yet set up a donor advised fund at the East Tennessee Foundation, we would welcome the opportunity to serve you. Here, your fund will be managed with the highest level of care, grounded in a true understanding of community needs, and supported by professionals who are committed not only to your goals but also to the health and vibrancy of our region. Together, we can make sure your charitable assets accomplish exactly what you intend—whether that means making an immediate difference, planning for the future, or both.

This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.