Donor-Advised Fund

One Giving Account. Unlimited Jewish Impact.

OPEN YOUR FUND

Jewish Giving, Simplified.

Goodbye, scattered checks and tax receipts. Shalom, simple and impactful Jewish philanthropy.

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a powerful way to manage your charitable giving. Think of it as your family’s tzedakah box: You contribute assets, receive tax benefits, invest and grow your fund, and send grants to your favorite nonprofits in Atlanta, Israel, and beyond.

It’s the smart way to repair the world – today, and for generations to come.

Play Video

Watch a 1-Minute DAF Video

Why Open a DAF?

A Donor-Advised Fund at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation makes your giving easy, tax-smart, and deeply meaningful.

Simple & Flexible

Contribute funds, send grants, and track your tax documents from one secure donor portal – all on your own timeline.

Greater Jewish Impact

From summer camp to senior care, from schools to shuls, strengthen our community in Atlanta, Israel, and worldwide.

Tax-Smart Giving

Maximize tax deductions and contribute appreciated non-cash assets like stock and real estate.

Family Legacy

Designate your children and grandchildren as donors or successors, and build a shared tradition of tzedakah.

“My husband and I took a meaningful step in our philanthropic journey by opening a Donor-Advised Fund. It feels like an opportunity to be more deliberate, values-driven, and proactive about how we give. Grateful for the guidance of the team at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, and looking forward to this next chapter of intentional giving!”

Erica Greenblatt

How it Works

  1. Open
    Start your DAF with a minimum contribution of $2,500 and get an immediate tax deduction – even if you haven’t chosen which charities to support yet.
  2. Grow
    Invest in one of our expertly managed portfolios, including a Jewish values-aligned option. Then – watch your charitable dollars grow tax-free.
  3. Donate
    Recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits, on your own schedule. Get personalized insights from our Jewish philanthropy advisors, and manage everything through your secure donor portal.
START YOUR DAF

World-Class Expertise Serving Jewish ATL

Tzedakah and acts of kindness are the equivalent of all the mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah” – Talmud.

For over 40 years, the Atlanta Jewish Foundation has partnered with donors, advisors, and organizations to turn values into lasting impact. As part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, we provide deep community insight, best-in-class philanthropic expertise, and personalized support tailored to you and your family.

Whether you care about mental health, food insecurity, medical research, homelessness, Jewish education or senior care – a DAF ensures that every dollar you give strengthens Jewish life.

Our Shared Impact

Fiscal Year 2025 Report

$

457M

In assets under management (and growing)

1,316

Charities supported in Atlanta, Israel, and globally
$

54M

Donated strategically through Donor-Advised Funds

L’dor Vador: Engage the Next Generation

L’dor Vador Funds are special DAFs, designed to empower young donors to give Jewishly.

When you open a fund for your children or grandchildren, you receive the tax benefits – and they begin a generosity journey – supporting causes they care about, connecting to their Jewish values, and becoming actively involved in our community. In addition, families with L’dor Vador Funds benefit from hands-on philanthropic guidance, along with opportunities to learn and give together.

It’s a simple way to deepen family relationships, pass down your values, and build a shared legacy that lasts for generations.

START A L'DOR VADOR FUND

With the help of the wonderful staff at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, I opened my grandchildren a donor-advised fund and they gave to important Jewish causes. I hope to continue that legacy forever.

Cathy SeligValued Donor

Our family is so pleased to work closely with the Atlanta Jewish Foundation. It provides us with the benefit of their philanthropic expertise and strengthens our connections with Federation, Israel, and the Atlanta Jewish community.

Robyn & Doug RossValued Donors

We’ve had a donor-advised fund at the Atlanta Jewish Foundation for over 15 years... There aren't many things in life that are a no brainer - this is a no brainer. We can trust the professionals at the Foundation, and it just works. It’s very effective.

Billy MedofValued Donor

Frequently Asked Questions

What assets can I contribute, and when do I receive tax benefits?

You can easily fund your DAF with credit card, ACH/wire, check, stock, or illiquid assets (i.e. real estate, business interests, etc.). Once your fund is established, you will receive an immediate charitable tax deduction in the year you make your contribution, while maintaining flexibility to give over time. Our philanthropic advisors can recommend the most strategic time to add funds, including “bunching” contributions to maximize benefits.

Is my information secure and confidential?

Yes. Your fund is managed through a secure platform, and your personal and financial information remains confidential and separate from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. You are always in control of how your information is shared.

What are the fees?

At the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, all fund fees are reinvested in the Jewish community through programmatic work, staff support, and grantmaking. See our fee structure here.

Can I transfer my DAF from another provider?

Yes! You can easily transfer your Donor-Advised Fund from another institution, such as Fidelity Charitable or Charles Schwab, to the Atlanta Jewish Foundation. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth transition – so you can continue your giving with greater connection and impact.

How will my funds be invested?

Donor-Advised Funds offer the opportunity to invest and grow your charitable dollars tax-free. The Atlanta Jewish Foundation partners with NEPC, a leading Chief Investment Officer, to provide a selection of professionally managed investment portfolios. One of our portfolios include JLens and Israel Bondsproviding you with Jewish-aligned investments. For funds over $250,000, you have the option to bring your own investment advisor.

Can I give anonymously?

Yes. You can choose to make grants anonymously or be recognized – whatever aligns with your preferences.

Can I open a fund as a gift for a family member?

Absolutely! A Donor-Advised Fund makes a beautiful gift for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, or any other occasion. When you open a DAF on behalf of your child or grandchild, you receive tax benefits – and they embark on a meaningful Jewish generosity journey. You can also share a fund with several members and give together as a family.

Can I give to the Annual Campaign with my DAF?

Yes. You can recommend a grant from your Donor-Advised Fund to support the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. It’s a simple and impactful way to strengthen Jewish life in Atlanta, Israel, and around the world.

Can I pay my synagogue dues through my DAF?

Yes. All synagogues accept membership dues to be paid through Donor-Advised Funds.

Can I support causes outside the Jewish community?

Yes! While we specialize in Jewish philanthropy (on average, 75% of our grants go to Jewish causes), you can support any qualified 501(c)(3) organization.

Should I consider a DAF instead of a private foundation?

A Donor-Advised Fund can often be a simpler and more flexible alternative to a private foundation – especially for funds under $10 million. With a DAF, you can eliminate administrative burdens, give anonymously if desired, and avoid annual payout requirements. Tax reporting is also significantly easier. Our team is happy to help you evaluate what structure best aligns with your goals. Here is a detailed comparison.

Can I use my IRA to fund my DAF?

Your QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) or RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) cannot be used to fund a Donor-Advised Fund. That said, they can be used to establish an endowment that will support your favorite organizations in perpetuity. Reach out to learn more!

What makes the Atlanta Jewish Foundation different?

At the Atlanta Jewish Foundation, we care about your values – because we share them. Jewish Atlanta is our home, and our mission is to help it thrive. As part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, we offer deep knowledge of Jewish community needs, strong local relationships, and fast, personalized support.

A DAF with the Atlanta Jewish Foundation also helps combat antisemitism. When our Donor-Advised Fund holders send a grant, the charity receives a check from the Jewish community. That is clear, no-strings-attached support from the Jewish community. It may seem small, but that nonprofit now has a better understanding of our people, and our unwavering commitment to building a more just, compassionate world.

Ready to Give Jewishly?

This moment calls for thoughtful, impactful giving. Open your Donor-Advised Fund today and join a growing community of givers working together to meet urgent needs and build a strong, vibrant Jewish future.

START YOUR DAF