Because We Care Philanthropy, Inc.

As often as you'd like!  There is no limit on the number of grant recommendations you can make. As long as there is money in the fund, you can recommend charitable grants via the Advisor Portal.

We encourage you to send grant recommendations with the fewest restrictions possible. Nonprofit organizations thrive when they receive unrestricted support that can be used to fund their general operations.  However, we understand that some Donors prefer to target their grants toward specific projects or programs.  You can do that!  Just enter the details in the notes section of your recommendation inside the Advisor Portal.

We like to keep things simple.  There are three basic restrictions all Donor Advised Funds must keep in mind:

• Grants only to eligible 501(c)(3) public charities for charitable purposes. Grant recommendations must be to tax-exempt public charities in good standing with the IRS (meaning they hold valid 501(c)(3) status at the time the grant is recommended). Churches, public schools, and most governmental agencies also qualify for grants from Donor Advised Funds.   This restriction prevents grants from being made directly to, or in support of, a specific individual or animal.  
• No quid pro quo.  We have to be sure the nonprofit organization receiving the charitable grant understands that no goods or services can be returned to you, your family, or any donor advisor in exchange for the grant.  This is called quid pro quo and the IRS is a stickler about it.  We take it seriously.  If you have questions about quid pro quo, please reach out to your dedicated BWC staff person.  We're happy to answer any questions you might have.
• No grants to satisfy a pre-existing pledge or commitment.  Remember that donations given to a Donor Advised Fund qualify as tax-deductible gifts to public charities.  In exchange for this privilege, the donor gives up legal ownership of the asset and retains only the right to make recommendations as to how the money is spent for charitable purposes going forward.  For this reason, grants from a Donor Advised Fund can not be used to satisfy a legally-binding pledge or commitment made outside of the process for recommending charitable grants through the Donor Advised Fund sponsor. 

Of course! We suggest the following language:  "XYZ Nonprofit, I'm pleased to inform you that I have recommended a grant from the XYZ Donor Advised Fund. Grant recommendations are subject to the approval of Because We Care Philanthropy so this notification should not be interpreted as creating a legally enforceable obligation."  Refer to the section above for an explanation of why DAFs can't be used to satisfy legally-binding pledges or commitments. 

Unfortunately no.  Bifurcation is prohibited under Section 3 of IRS Notice 2017-73 as explained in this  IRS Notice.  

Absolutely!  We are firmly committed to transparency.  The following years are currently available for review. 

• 2020
• 2021
• 2022