Insights on the Economy and Market

2025

Percent of U.S. Individual Charitable Giving Going to Private Foundations and DAFs
January 2025

 

There has been a shifting narrative as to where individuals have been directing their gifting. In 2008, donor- advised funds (DAFs) accounted for 4% of individual charitable gifting versus 13% going toward private foundations. Over the last 15 years, the percentage of individuals gifting to donor advised funds has increased to 27%, whereas charitable gifts to private foundations stayed relatively flat at 14%.

 Our comparison of DAFs and private foundations illustrates some of the unique features of each; benefits of the DAF include simplicity of administration as well as tax-free growth of assets. Private foundations may also be interested in this issue of Independent Insights, where we discuss how opening a DAF alongside of the main portfolio can provide spending stability. If you would like to learn more about DAFs and how they can help with your own philanthropic efforts or private foundation’s spending policy, please contact Stephen Link, our Director of Philanthropic Services.

Source: https://inequality.org/article/donor-advised-funds-quarter-of-charitable-giving/