At West Cancer Foundation, there are several ways to make a financial contribution that will change the lives of those affected by cancer. Whether it’s funding free cancer screenings, post-surgery garments, wigs, mental health counseling, or transportation to and from appointments, every gift—large or small—helps us provide free cancer support servicers in our community. That’s why we’re excited to launch our Ways to Give blog series, designed to spotlight the many options available for supporting our mission.
We’re starting with one you may have heard of but might not know much about: Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs).
What is a Donor-Advised Fund?
A Donor-Advised Fund is a special type of giving account that allows you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction and then recommend grants to nonprofit organizations, like West Cancer Foundation, over time.
Think of it as a charitable savings account. You contribute cash, stocks or other assets into your DAF, you get an immediate tax deduction for the full amount of your contribution, and you choose when and how much to grant to nonprofits that matter most to you.
Because the funds in a DAF are invested, they can potentially grow over time—giving you even more impact with your giving.
Why DAFs Matter More Than Ever
DAFs are one of the fastest-growing vehicles for charitable giving in the United States—and the numbers prove it:
- In 2023, donors contributed nearly $59.43 billion to DAFs, and nonprofits received almost $54.77 billion in grants from those funds.
- DAFs now oversee about $251.5 billion in charitable assets—up nearly 10% from the prior year.
- There are now approximately 1.78 million DAF accounts nationwide, accounting for roughly one-sixth of all individual giving in the U.S.
When donors switch to giving through DAFs, nonprofits see transformative results—DAF-based support jumps by 888%, and DAF donors are significantly more likely to stick around (59% retention vs. 46% for non-DAF donors). For many organizations, DAF revenue rose by a median of 112% between 2020 and 2024.
Why Give Through a DAF?
Donor-Advised Funds offer several benefits, including:
- Flexibility – You can recommend grants on your own schedule, whether that’s all at once or spread out over months or years.
- Simplicity – Your [sponsoring organization / wealth manager?] will manage all the recordkeeping, tax receipts and grant disbursements.
- Tax Advantages – Receive a charitable tax deduction immediately and potentially avoid capital gains taxes when donating appreciated assets.
- Impact Growth – Your contribution can be invested, potentially increasing the amount you’re able to give in the future.
How to Use Your DAF to Support West Cancer Foundation
If you already have a Donor-Advised Fund, recommending a grant to West Cancer Foundation is simple:
- Log in to your DAF account.
- Search for West Cancer Foundation or enter our tax ID number: 84-4118484
- Recommend a grant in the amount you choose.
- Specify if you’d like your gift to be unrestricted or directed toward a specific program (such as free cancer screenings, transportation services, mental health counseling, post-surgery compression garments and prostheses or wigs ).
Your DAF sponsor will send the grant directly to us, and we’ll put it to work immediately in support of our mission.
Your Giving, Your Legacy
A Donor-Advised Fund is more than a financial tool—it’s a way to create a lasting impact. With more than $250 billion currently sitting in DAFs nationwide, unlocking even a small portion of those funds for cancer care can change lives. Whether you use your DAF to make a one-time grant or as part of a long-term giving strategy, your generosity fuels vital programs that provide hope, healing and help to those in need.
If you’d like to learn more about using your DAF to support West Cancer Foundation, please contact us at 901-322-2984 or development@westcancerfoundation.org, or speak with your financial advisor.
Together, we can make a difference that lasts far beyond today.
