Catholic Charities of New York joins nonprofits across the country on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in celebrating DAF Day — a national movement to encourage generosity through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs).
DAF Day is about activating generosity that is already waiting to be unlocked. Across the United States, billions of charitable dollars are set aside in DAFs, ready to make a difference. But too often, those funds remain dormant. On DAF Day, we encourage donors to act by recommending a grant from their DAF to support the causes they care about most.
At Catholic Charities of New York, we see firsthand how these gifts transform lives. From providing meals to families facing hunger, to offering safe shelter to the homeless, to creating stability for children and seniors — every grant from a DAF helps extend compassion and hope to our New York neighbors in need.
What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is like a charitable investment account. Donors contribute assets — such as cash, stocks, or other investments — into a fund held by a sponsoring organization (like a financial institution, community foundation, or nonprofit).
Here’s how it works:
• You give. You make a contribution into your DAF account and receive an immediate tax deduction.
• Your fund grows. The assets can be invested and may grow tax-free.
• You grant. Over time, you recommend grants from your DAF to charities you care about — like Catholic Charities of New York.
It’s a simple, tax-efficient way to manage your charitable giving and make a lasting impact.
Why DAF Day Matters
Across the United States, more than $229 billion is currently sitting in Donor-Advised Funds — charitable dollars that have already been set aside but have not yet been distributed. DAF Day is about unlocking this incredible potential and directing it to the communities and organizations that need it most.
For Catholic Charities of New York, these grants have an immediate and tangible impact. At a time when families are facing rising food prices, housing insecurity, and limited access to essential services, DAF gifts provide crucial support. They allow us to deliver meals to the hungry, offer safe shelter to the homeless, and extend compassionate care to vulnerable children, seniors, and immigrants.
But DAF Day is not only about financial resources — it is also about the power of collective generosity. When thousands of donors across the country recommend grants from their DAFs on the same day, the ripple effect is extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions about DAFs
Do I have a Donor-Advised Fund?
If you’ve opened a charitable giving account with Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or a community foundation, then you likely already have a DAF.
Who can open a DAF?
Anyone can establish a Donor-Advised Fund. Most financial institutions and community foundations offer them, with minimum contributions often starting between $5,000 and $25,000.
What are the benefits of giving through a DAF?
• You receive an immediate tax deduction when contributing to your DAF.
• The assets can grow tax-free over time.
• You decide when and how often to recommend grants, giving you flexibility.
• All of your charitable giving can be managed in one convenient place.
Does Catholic Charities of New York accept DAF gifts?
Yes! Catholic Charities of New York is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit and can receive grants from any Donor-Advised Fund.
How do I recommend a DAF grant to Catholic Charities of New York?
1. Log into your DAF account with your provider.
2. Search for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York (EIN: 13-5562184).
3. Select the grant amount you’d like to recommend.
4. Submit your request — it’s that easy!
Take the Next Step
If you have a DAF, consider making Catholic Charities of New York part of your DAF Day giving. On DAF Day, let’s unlock generosity together — to provide help and create for New Yorkers in need.
