Atlanta Jewish Foundation Smart Giving Tip
March 3, 2026
When we think of the holiday of Purim, we picture colorful costumes, sweet hamantaschen, and joyful gatherings with family and friends. Yet, behind these festive traditions lies a story of survival. And in light of the ongoing conflict with Iran, that deeper message – and practical wisdom – feel especially poignant.
In the ancient story of Purim, the Jewish people faced an uncertain and terrifying future. Haman, the Persian King’s evil advisor, was determined to annihilate them. He cast lots to decide the date of their destruction. The decree was set. The timeline was not theirs to choose.
What remained in their control was how they would respond.
When Mordechai urged his niece, Esther, to act, he framed the moment with words that still echo today: “And who knows whether it was for just such a time as this that you attained royalty?” (Esther 4:14). Everything has led Esther to this moment. She could not prevent the crisis. But she could prepare, gather her people, and step forward strategically.
Today, as our community confronts threats near and far – from the war with Iran to the continued rise of antisemitism in the United States – that same lesson resonates deeply. We cannot predict when the next crisis will strike. But we can prepare our resources so that when the moment arrives, we are ready to respond with strength and clarity.
This is where planned charitable giving, especially through donor-advised funds (DAFs), plays a crucial role.
Prepared Giving in an Uncertain World
The current geopolitical conflict with Iran is a stark reminder that Jewish safety can never be taken for granted. And just as Esther and Mordechai mobilized strategically amid an existential threat, modern philanthropists can position themselves to act quickly and meaningfully when our community – locally or globally – faces urgent need.
We saw this clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because donor-advised fund assets are contributed in advance, DAF holders were able to respond immediately when nonprofits were struggling the most. They did not need to liquidate assets or navigate administrative delays. Grants could be recommended swiftly and efficiently.
In fact, research shows that in the first half of 2020, DAF grantmaking increased by nearly 30% in dollar value compared to the previous year – a powerful demonstration of how planning enables impact when time is of the essence.
Similarly, Atlanta Jewish Foundation DAF donors we able to respond quickly following the October 7 attacks in Israel, during the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict, and through large-scale disasters such as the California wildfires. When nonprofits are scrambling to provide emergency services – whether security, humanitarian aid, or community support – early funding can be the difference between delay and immediate, life-changing action.
Preparedness does not eliminate crisis. But it transforms how we meet it.
Site of Iranian missile strike in Israel, June 2025. DAF donors were able to quickly deploy resources and support life-saving efforts.
The Power of Donor-Advised Funds
DAFs have become one of the most significant vehicles for charitable giving in the United States – not only because they offer tax-smart advantages, but because they allow donors to separate the timing of their charitable contribution from the timing of their donation.
According to the most recent Annual Donor-Advised Fund Report, there are now more than 3.5 million DAF accounts holding nearly $326 billion in assets. In fiscal year 2024 alone, donors contributed nearly $90 billion and granted approximately $65 billion to charitable causes – accounting for 15% of all charitable giving nationwide, a dramatic increase from just 4% in 2010.
These numbers tell an important story: donor-advised funds are not idle accounts. They are active, responsive tools that allow families to give consistently – and to surge support when emergencies demand it. Because funds are already set aside for charitable purposes, there is no waiting period when urgent needs arise.
We Don’t React. We Respond.
The essence of Purim is not only survival, but strategic courage in uncertain times. Esther did not wait for circumstances to become safer. She prepared, and stepped forward when it mattered most. Mordechai reassured her that “relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews”. The question was not whether help would come, but who would be ready to bring it about.
Planned giving allows Jewish families today to answer that call.
By opening and contributing to a donor-advised fund, families prepare in advance – ensuring that when the next moment of need arrives, whether in Atlanta, Israel, or beyond, they are positioned to respond with heart and strategy.
We cannot control when emergencies will strike. But, like Queen Esther, we can ensure that when they do, we are ready.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Purim holiday!
Schedule a free Jewish Giving Consultation with one of our advisors, and see if a Donor-Advised Fund is right for you.
