A Closer Look at Donor Advised Funds
Supporting the people of North Korea is a long-term commitment. It requires patience, prayer, and thoughtful stewardship of the resources we’ve been given. Many of you who partner with us in this work often ask about different ways to support the mission, looking for methods that align with your own goals for intentional giving.
One such tool that some of our supporters have found helpful is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). It’s not for everyone, but we wanted to share some information about it as a resource for your own consideration.
What is a Donor Advised Fund?
The simplest way to think of a DAF is as a dedicated account for your charitable giving. Think of a DAF as a charitable savings account. It’s a dedicated account where you can deposit a variety of assets—cash, stocks, even real estate—for the sole purpose of supporting the causes you care about. You can contribute to the fund when the time is right for you and then, from that fund, you can recommend grants to non-profits you wish to support, such as Crossing Borders. You receive an immediate tax deduction when you contribute to the fund and the organization that holds the fund (often financial institutions like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or Vanguard Charitable) handles the administration.
For many, this approach helps separate the decision of when to give from where to give, allowing for a more deliberate and prayerful approach to philanthropy throughout the year.
Considering the Timing of Your Gift
We are sometimes asked about the timeline for setting up these funds. While a DAF can be opened at any point, many people who use them choose to do so toward the end of the calendar year to align with their financial planning.
If you are considering setting one up for 2025, there is certainly still time. Opening an account with cash is often a quick process. However, if you're planning to contribute non-cash assets like securities, it’s a good idea to begin the process well before the end-of-year rush, perhaps by November or early December, to ensure everything is settled.
A Connection to Our Work
The work of bringing hope and gospel truth to North Korean refugees is a marathon, not a sprint. In the same way, a Donor Advised Fund can be a tool for steady, consistent, and planned support that reflects a long-term commitment. It is one of many ways to engage in the thoughtful stewardship that this mission requires.
Every gift, regardless of the method, is a vital part of this work. It fuels our efforts to provide aid and share the Gospel with those living in one of the world's most isolated nations.
If you are interested in learning more about the technical aspects of Donor Advised Funds, we have more detailed information available on our DAF information page. We are grateful for your partnership!
