About Donor-Advised Funds
Clarity. Simplicity. Enduring Impact.
Strategic giving should be as intelligent and refined as the rest of your capital strategy.
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is one of the most elegant tools available, offering a streamlined, tax-efficient, and highly flexible way to give with discernment.
A Donor-Advised Fund is a bespoke charitable giving account that allows individuals or families to contribute assets, receive immediate tax relief, and then recommend grants to charitable organisations over time.
Think of it as your personal foundation, without the administrative weight or overhead.
Once established, your contributions are held and invested within the fund, growing tax-free until you are ready to make grants. Voltaire guides you through every step - from fund selection and setup, to grant-making and impact reporting.
DAFs allow for:
Immediate tax deductibility
Confidential or public giving
Multi-year strategic giving without forming a private foundation
Cross-border and dual-qualified solutions for international clients
DAFs are especially valuable when you want to make a meaningful gift now but take time to determine the most effective way to allocate it.
The Preferred Vehicle for Philanthropic Giving
In the UK alone, grant-making from DAFs grew over 130% in just five years, now totalling over £645 million annually, with £2.8 billion in total charitable assets under management. Globally, they are becoming the preferred mechanism for thoughtful, long-term philanthropy.
Contribute Assets
You can contribute cash, shares, private equity, or real estate to your DAF. The contribution is irrevocable and immediately eligible for tax relief. We work with your legal and financial advisors to ensure compliance and optimisation.
Grow Capital, Strategically
Once inside the DAF, assets are professionally managed. Voltaire works with DAF sponsors who can align your investments with ESG or impact principles - ensuring your portfolio reflects your values while it grows.
Grant With Purpose
You can recommend grants at your own pace. Voltaire curates opportunities based on your values, interests, and desired legacy. Grants can be made discreetly or with profile, locally or internationally, one-off or recurring.
A Tool for Now and for Legacy
DAFs can also be used to:
Respond quickly to emergencies (as during the COVID-19 crisis)
Plan succession in family giving (with named successors)
Fund innovation or mission-aligned ventures through catalytic philanthropy
Above all, they enable you to give well, with clarity and confidence.