Is DAF a Good Option for Your Giving Platform?
When most people think about giving, they picture writing a check or making an online donation. Those are meaningful and important ways to support the mission of CLDI, but there’s another option that’s both flexible and strategic; giving through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF).
A DAF is a simple, tax-efficient way to manage your charitable giving. You can think of it as a charitable investment account. You contribute assets to your DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from that fund to nonprofits like CLDI in your own time.
For many, a DAF becomes a central hub for generosity, making it easier to plan, give, and stay consistent.
At CLDI, we view giving as missional, not transactional. Jesus invites us in Matthew 6:20 to “lay up…treasures in heaven,” reminding us that what we invest in God’s work carries eternal significance. Missional giving is about aligning your resources with what God is doing in the world. It’s about more than timing or tax strategy; it’s about participation. When you give through a DAF, you’re investing in leadership development, discipleship, and the spread of the Gospel through the work of CLDI. It’s a channel for impact.
Here are a few reasons why giving through a DAF can be both practical AND carry vast meaning for the Kingdom.
First, it offers flexibility. You can contribute to your DAF when it makes the most sense financially: after a high-income year, a bonus, or the sale of an asset—and then distribute gifts at your own pace. That space allows for intentional, prayerful generosity rather than rushed decisions.
Second, it’s tax-smart. Contributions to a DAF are generally tax-deductible in the year they’re made. If you donate appreciated assets like stocks, you may also avoid capital gains taxes while still maximizing your impact.
Third, it simplifies generosity. Your giving is centralized, making it easier to track and steward. With just a few clicks, you can recommend a grant to CLDI (via your DAF) and continue supporting the mission without complication.
The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in Philippians 4:17: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” Every gift to CLDI is producing real fruit. Your generosity helps equip leaders who are serving in our South Side communities, facing real challenges and carrying real responsibility. It supports training, mentorship, and resources that empower our people to respond to the felt needs around us.
Your willingness to give whether through a DAF or any other means is not taken lightly. It reflects trust, shared vision, and a commitment to something bigger than any one organization and produces gratitude, worship, and transformed lives.
If you already have a DAF, recommending a grant to CLDI is simple: just log into your provider’s platform, search for CLDI, and designate your gift.
If you don’t yet have a DAF, it may be worth exploring whether this approach fits your financial and giving goals. As always, we encourage you to consult with your financial advisor or tax
professional.
At the end of the day generosity is about stewardship, using what we’ve been given to participate in God’s mission. A DAF is simply one more way to give thoughtfully, strategically, and
joyfully.
We are honored to be part of that journey with you and thank you for helping us Re-Story the 406.
