Giving With Purpose Through a Donor-Advised Fund

When you think about supporting the Indiana American Legion Foundation, you might picture writing a check or donating online. But, did you know you can also give through a donor-advised fund?

If you already have one, you may have charitable dollars set aside that can support veterans, military families, and young Hoosiers today. If the term is new to you, here’s how it works.

What Is a Donor Advised Fund?

A donor-advised fund, often shortened to DAF, is a charitable giving account managed by a sponsoring organization, such as a community foundation or national charitable sponsor.

You contribute to the account, then recommend grants to eligible nonprofit organizations over time. Once contributed, those assets are permanently dedicated to charity. The sponsoring organization legally controls the funds, while you recommend which eligible organizations you would like to support, subject to its approval.

It’s a way to plan your giving while staying involved in choosing the causes your generosity supports.

How Does Giving Through a DAF Work?

Depending on your sponsor’s policies, you can contribute cash, appreciated stock, or other accepted assets. Those assets may be invested within the account, offering the potential to grow before being distributed to charities.

When you’re ready to give, you submit a grant recommendation through your sponsoring organization, often through an online portal.

You may qualify for a charitable deduction when you contribute to the fund, depending on applicable rules and your circumstances. The later grant to a nonprofit does not create a second deduction. Fees, minimums, and grant policies vary by sponsor.

Your Giving Can Reflect What Matters to You

A grant to the Indiana American Legion Foundation can support our overall mission of serving veterans, military families, and youth across Indiana. Our work includes emergency assistance, accredited benefits support, and youth programs that encourage leadership, citizenship, and education.

You don’t have to choose a specific program to make a difference. A gift for general support gives the Foundation flexibility to put resources to work across its charitable mission.

Have a particular area of our work close to your heart? You can also discuss directing your gift toward that purpose. Contact us before submitting your recommendation so we can help ensure your wishes are clearly communicated and can be accommodated.

Already Have a Donor Advised Fund? Here’s Where to Start

Log in to your account or contact your fund representative and search for the Foundation using our legal name or EIN:

Legal name: Indiana American Legion Legacy Foundation, Inc.

EIN: 83-4375439

Address: 5440 Herbert Lord Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216

Using our EIN can help you find the correct organization in your sponsor’s system. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

From there, enter your recommended grant amount and any designation, then follow your sponsor’s instructions. If you’d like us to know who made the gift, choose to include your name and contact information. We would love the opportunity to thank you.

A Giving Option Worth Remembering

Whether you’re planning your next charitable gift or reviewing funds you’ve already set aside, a donor advised fund offers another way to support the Foundation’s work.

Your generosity helps sustain a mission rooted in service and a commitment to Indiana’s veterans, families, and future generations.

Explore ways to give at indianalegion.org/givenow.

This article provides general information. Please consult your tax advisor and donor advised fund sponsor about your circumstances and grant requirements.