Donor-advised funds

One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. 

But with the support of our incredible network of supporters, Alzheimer's Society is creating a future where dementia no longer devastates lives. One way our supporters help drive this mission forward is through using donor-advised funds (DAFs).

What is a donor-advised fund (DAF)?  

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a tax-efficient charitable giving vehicle which allows you to achieve your philanthropic goals in a flexible and agile manner.  

DAFs originated in the US as an option for individuals with an influx of capital, for example from the sale of a company, but didn't know what charitable cause they wished to support.  

DAFs sit within a larger charitable organisation or ’sponsor’. You have the freedom to name your fund yourself, with some people opting for names which are meaningful to them, such as in memory of loved ones.

How do DAFs work?

When you donate to your DAF, eligible UK donors can secure available UK tax relief at the point of donation and then take time to decide which charities they would like to support. 

When you’re ready, you can work with your DAF Client Relationship Manager to explore the impact you’d like to make through philanthropic giving.  

Once you have decided which charity you would like to support, your sponsoring organisation will arrange for a grant to be paid to your chosen charity.  

We understand that some people wish to carry out their giving anonymously, which giving via a DAF allows individuals to do.  

Whether you give anonymously or not, we work closely with DAF sponsoring organisations to understand your individual preferences, to ensure that you only ever receive the information and updates which you find useful and interesting.  

What organisations run DAFs in the UK?

In the UK, you have several options for choosing a DAF provider. Some of the key DAF providers in the UK currently are:

• Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
• Master Charitable Trust
• Prism the Gift Fund
• National Philanthropic Trust (NPT)
• UBS

We recommend having a talk with each provider to help you to understand their unique expertise and to choose the DAF that is right for you.

How do I give to Alzheimer’s Society via a DAF?

We work closely with DAF providers to ensure that your grant making process is as smooth and enjoyable as it should be. 

Talk to your relationship manager at your chosen DAF and ask them to reach out to us to get things started to explore the impact you'd like to make through your philanthropic giving.