A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity and created for the purpose of managing charitable donations on behalf of an organization, family, or individual. It allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants from the fund over time.
Under Internal Revenue Code regulations, a donor-advised fund cannot be used to satisfy a personal pledge made to the University. Doing so could subject you and your fund’s managers to penalties, including, but not limited to, excise taxes and disqualification of the fund as a tax-exempt entity. Prior to making a grant recommendation to Washington University, please ensure that your intentions meet any guidelines or requirements of your individual donor advised fund as suggested by your fund’s managers.
If you have a donor-advised fund, DAF Direct enables you to recommend grants to Washington University directly from your DAF (as long as your DAF’s sponsoring organization is participating). The following organizations are currently participating: Fidelity Charitable®, DAFgiving360®, and the BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund®. Neither you nor the university will incur any download or transaction fees. You can initiate a DAF grant recommendation via the DAF Direct tool below.
Questions?
- 800-835-3503
- 314-935-5373
- plannedgiving@wustl.edu
Checks can be mailed to:
If using FedEx or UPS
MSC 1082-414-2555
Washington University
7425 Forsyth Blvd.
Clayton, MO 63105
If using USPS
MSC 1082-414-2555
Washington University
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-9989
If needed when making a grant recommendation, provide the Federal Tax Identification Number 43-0653611.