Strategic Giving With Lasting Impact
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-efficient way to support the charities and causes that matter most to you.
Rather than making donations directly to individual charities each time, you contribute to your Donor-Advised Fund and then recommend grants to the charities you wish to support over time. This allows you to take a more strategic approach to your philanthropy while creating lasting impact within local communities.
Whether you’re planning your charitable giving for the future or looking to maximise the impact of your philanthropy today, a Donor-Advised Fund offers the flexibility to give with purpose.
We’d be delighted to discuss how your support could help strengthen grassroots charities and the communities that rely on them.
A Donor Advised Fund Could Be a Good Option if You:
Want to make larger charitable donations over an extended period of time.
Are looking for a more strategic approach to your philanthropic journey.
Wish to support multiple charities through one charitable fund.
Want to create a lasting charitable legacy that reflects the causes and values that matter to you.
Would like the flexibility to decide when and where your donations are distributed.
Are looking for a tax-efficient way to manage your charitable giving.
How It Works
Setting up a Donor-Advised Fund is straightforward, and your chosen sponsoring organisation will guide you through the process.
Step 1. Choosing a Sponsoring Organisation
Select a sponsoring organisation that manages Donor-Advised Funds, such as a community foundation, charitable trust, wealth manager, or financial institution.
When comparing providers, consider:
• Administration fees.
• Investment options.
• Minimum contribution levels.
• Grant-making flexibility.
Step 2. Opening Your Donor Advised Fund
Make your initial contribution using cash, shares, or other eligible assets.
The minimum contribution will vary depending on your chosen sponsoring organisation, but typically ranges from £5,000 to £25,000. Once your contribution has been made, you may be eligible for valuable tax benefits, even if you decide to recommend grants at a later date.
Step 3. Growing Your Fund.
Your sponsoring organisation will manage your fund and its investments on your behalf, allowing it to grow, tax-free.
You can also make additional contributions to your Donor-Advised Fund at any time, allowing your charitable giving to grow tax-free, alongside your philanthropic ambitions.
Step 4. Recommending A Grant.
When you’re ready, simply recommend a grant from your Donor-Advised Fund to Focus Foundation.
You can choose to:
• Make a one-off grant.
• Set up recurring grants.
•Recommend grants whenever you decide the time is right.
Your sponsoring organisation will review your recommendation before distributing the funds.
Step 5. Inform Focus Foundation.
If you’ve recommended a grant to Focus Foundation, we’d love to hear from you. You can recommend one-time grants or set up recurring grants. Your sponsoring organisation will review and approve your grant recommendations, then disburse the funds to Focus Foundation.
Knowing about your support allows us to thank you personally, keep you updated on the impact of your generosity, and help us plan future community projects with confidence.
The Benefits of a Donor Advised Fund
A flexible approach to charitable giving:
• Potential tax efficiencies, depending on your circumstances.
• The ability to support multiple charities through one fund.
• The opportunity to build a long-term philanthropic legacy.
• Freedom to recommend grants whenever you’re ready.
Benefits for communities:
• Helps grassroots charities access sustainable funding.
• Supports a wide range of local causes through one trusted organisation.
• Enables long-term planning and greater community impact.
• Creates stronger, more resilient communities through strategic giving.
By setting up a Donor-Advised Fund, you can make a significant and lasting contribution to Focus Foundation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please consult with a financial advisor or the sponsoring organisation.
Ready to Explore Donor-Advised Giving?
Whether you’re exploring Donor-Advised Funds for the first time or already have an established fund, we’d be delighted to discuss how your philanthropy could help create lasting change for grassroots charities and the communities they support.
Other Ways You Can Help Our Support Reach Further
Make a Donation
Help fund grassroots charities and community projects creating meaningful change across the UK by making a donation.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Leaving a gift in your will to Focus Foundation is a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy and support causes that are important to you.
Fundraising
From community events to personal challenges, every fundraiser helps raise vital funds and awareness for grassroots charities.
Volunteering
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do.
Whether you can give a few hours or ongoing support, your time can make a real difference.
Payroll Giving
Partner with us through payroll giving and offer employees a simple, tax-efficient way to support grassroots charities.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness of the grassroots charities and communities we support by sharing our mission on social media, and following our journey.