“I have enough, and enough is as good as a feast.” — Granny, as told to us by one of you
For many folks, giving and community are important pillars of their financial plans and planning. After all, once we discover that we have enough to get by on, we’ve got some important decisions to make about our resources.
What will our excesses and gains mean for the community around us? Or the next generation? Or causes and organizations we care about?
In 2025, Leibman Financial Services added a new type of account, a tool that may be an option for those with charitable intentions and a desire for a little organization.
Here is what we are talking about: a Donor Advised Fund, or DAF. A DAF is an account that we can open and manage for you here in-house. Money or securities that you send to the DAF are considered tax-deductible charitable contributions, even if they came from existing accounts here. (Consult your tax advisor about what this means for you in particular.)
The funds can be invested for long-term growth or disbursed more quickly; you may donate as much or as little as you choose, on your schedule. You request distributions, or “grants,” from your DAF to be sent to the nonprofits of your choosing.
A DAF would become part of our regular conversations about your portfolio, your goals, and your financial plans and planning.
Why consider a DAF? A DAF could be used…
- As an alternative to creating a family foundation or other organizational structure on your own
- As a way to simplify philanthropic activities, having a single destination for gift dollars and a single vehicle for sending out donations
- As a way to organize tax deductions and tax planning
- As a way to direct high-flying holdings toward charitable intentions (by gifting appreciated assets to a DAF, you pay no tax on the gains, and the DAF pays no tax on the gains)
We work with iGift, a registered 501(c)(3), to administer these accounts. iGift requires a minimum of $25,000 to open a DAF, though only a $1,000 minimum balance needs to maintained thereafter. You may send out gifts as small as $100 to approved nonprofits year-round.
Fees and rationales can be found in our disclosure documents where we discuss more about the terms of our services.
If the DAF still has funds at your passing, your designated successor—an heir or heirs—may direct future donations until the fund is exhausted, or you can elect to provide instructions for how to distribute the remainder among nonprofits.
Our money has a chance not only to outlast us—but to continue making ripples in the world.
The Donor Advised Fund concept has been used by people here at Leibman Financial as part of their tax planning and to organize charitable intentions. Not all account types are appropriate for everyone, though there’s a lot to like here.
Could it be a good time to learn more?
Reach out, anytime.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.
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