Blog Posts

Give Through Donor-Advised Funds, Change a Child's Story

By Ellen Howes

At its heart, philanthropy is an act of hope. We make charitable gifts to invest in the people and possibilities we most care about. A book, like the millions Reading Is Fundamental gives children each year, is one of the most lasting gifts we can give. Long after that book is closed, the skills, imagination, and reading confidence remain.  

When donors give to children’s literacy, they are giving more than a book. They are helping open doors that can shape a child’s future.  

One charitable tool popularized in recent years is the donor-advised fund, or DAF. These accounts make it easier for individuals to streamline the process of their charitable giving while supporting the organizations they care about.  

For donors who believe in education and that every child can be a reader, donor-advised funds can be a simple and effective way to invest in children’s literacy and create lasting impact.  

What Is a Donor-Advised Fund? 

A donor-advised fund is a charitable giving account established through a sponsoring organization, like a community foundation, financial institution, or national charitable sponsor.  

When a donor contributes to their donor-advised fund, they are generally eligible for an immediate tax deduction, and those funds are set aside specifically for charitable purposes. Those funds may be invested and grow tax-free, allowing donors to build a charitable resource over time. When they wish, a donor then recommends grants from their fund to support nonprofit organizations.  

Many people choose donor-advised funds because they offer flexibility and convenience. Instead of making individual charitable contributions throughout the year, donors can contribute to their DAF once and recommend grants when they’re ready.  

Why More Donors are Choosing Donor-Advised Funds 

These charitable vehicles are growing and make giving simpler. sThey also let donors stay intentional about their philanthropy and  supported causes.  

Some of the benefits donors appreciate include: 

  • Ability to support multiple nonprofit organizations from one account 
  • Flexibility in deciding when to recommend grants 
  • A convenient way to organize annual giving 
  • Ability to make larger charitable commitments over time 

For many donors, a donor-advised fund creates space for more thoughtful giving. Rather than making decisions at the end of the year, juggling multiple tax receipts, or drawing down from cash set aside for daily life, donors can develop long-term giving strategies that align with their values and goals.  

Why Children’s Literacy Is a Meaningful Focus for DAF Giving 

Every donor has different approaches when it comes to directing their charitable giving. Some people may wish to support urgent societal needs.  

Some may give out of loyalty to certain institutions that have played a role in their life. Some may have a cause they’ve championed for years. No matter why they give, many donors share a common goal: they want to make a difference.  

Children’s literacy is a cause in which everyone can make a difference.  

Reading is foundational to learning, both in and out of the classroom. Reading skills support learning in science, social studies, math, and other subjects. Books also act as windows and mirrors, allowing children to experience someone else’s life and perspective and reflect upon their own.  

Reading is also foundational to life. Reading helps people understand math problems, follow instructions, complete a job application, access healthcare, and take part in civic life. When children become readers, they unlock opportunities that can shape their futures.  

That is why many donors choose to include literacy organizations like Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) in their charitable giving portfolios. Supporting children’s literacy helps create new possibilities not only for individual children, but also for their families, schools, and communities.  

How Donor-Advised Funds Support Literacy Programs 

Donor-advised fund grants can help nonprofits like RIF provide both immediate support and research-backed solutions.   

At RIF, donor support makes possible programs that allow children to discover the joy of reading while also building essential literacy skills.  

Many people know RIF for helping children choose and own new books. Book ownership and choice are key parts of our work. Children are more likely to read when they have books of their own.  

What donors often discover, however, is that the books are only the beginning. Behind every book distributed through RIF is a broader effort to support the adults, resources, and environments that help children become successful readers. We know that reading proficiency isn't built through access alone. It grows when children have opportunities to engage with books at home, in school, and throughout their communities.  

That's why RIF invests in a wide range of literacy supports, including free digital resources, educator materials and professional development, family engagement tools, and community partnerships.  

When donors support literacy organizations, they are helping build the systems that foster a lifelong love of reading.  

Questions to Consider When Making a DAF Grant 

While every donor may have different motivations to give, a few questions can help guide giving decisions: 

  • What outcomes do I hope my philanthropy will support? 
  • How does this organization measure and communicate impact? 
  • Does this organization have the experience and partnerships necessary to achieve its goals? 
  • How does this cause align with my values and interests? 

These questions can help donors make informed decisions and develop a giving strategy that feels meaningful and effective. If a donor has questions about RIF’s work and impact, contact our staff, who are available to discuss and support.  

Making an Impact Through Thoughtful Giving 

Donor-advised funds offer a flexible way to support causes that matter most to you. 

For those who believe that every child can be a reader, DAF giving can be an important giving vehicle for creating lasting impact.   

At RIF, we are grateful for the many donors who choose to invest in children’s literacy, through donor-advised funds and all giving. Their support helps provide the books, resources, and opportunities needed for young readers to thrive. 

Whether you are making your first gift to RIF or including RIF in your long-term philanthropic strategy, literacy is an investment that can shape a child’s future for years to come.  

Please note that Reading Is Fundamental does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. We encourage donors to consult their professional advisors to determine the charitable giving strategies that are most appropriate for their individual circumstances.