Giving With a Donor-Advised Fund

A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is a giving tool that allows you to easily make online gifts to the charitable organization of your choice and take an immediate tax deduction for the contribution. By setting up a donor-advised fund, DAF Direct allows you to make gifts to Rush directly. Get started by creating your DAF online now.  

For Rush University Medical Center, please contact Claudia Leon Flood, assistant director of gifts and records management, at (312) 942-3080 or giving@rush.edu for more information.

For Rush Copley Medical Center, please contact Alex Pope, vice president and chief development officer, at (630) 978-4946 or alexander_f_pope@rush.edu for more information.  

How do I get started creating a DAF? Here are three easy tips: 

  • Establish your donor-advised fund by making an irrevocable, tax-deductible donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program. 
  • Advise the investment allocation of the donated assets — any investment growth is tax-free. 
  • Recommend gifts to qualified public charities of your choice, such as Rush. You can choose to be recognized or remain anonymous.  

Why should I create a DAF? 

Simplicity 
 

The DAF sponsor handles all record-keeping, disbursements and tax receipts. 

Flexibility 

 

The timing of your tax deduction can be separate from your charitable decision making. 

Tax-efficiency 

 

Contributions are tax-deductible, and any investment growth in the DAF is tax-free. It is also easy to donate long-term appreciated securities, eliminating any capital gains taxes and allowing you to support multiple charities from one block of stock.  

Family legacy 

 

A DAF is a powerful way to build or continue a tradition of family philanthropy.