Donor-Advised Funds
Donate from your Donor-Advised Fund
It's now easy to make your gift online!
In just a few steps, you can now donate online directly from your donor-advised fund (DAF):
- Choose your donation amount (and optional "tip" to GoFundMe)
- For payment method, select "Donor Advised Fund" and submit
- Select your DAF provider
- Login to finalize your contribution
Your generous gift will be processed via DAF Pay for a small fee. To mail a gift from your DAF, please see additional information below.
For assistance with your donor-advised fund, please contact us at give@tmmc.org.
Make Your Gift Today!
It's easy to make a gift from your donor-advised fund online
Mail a Gift
To make a gift from your donor-advised fund, simply instruct your DAF provider to make the check payable to The Marine Mammal Center and mail to the following address:
The Marine Mammal Center
2000 Bunker Road
Fort Cronkhite
Sausalito, CA 94965-2619
The Center’s tax identification number is 51-0144434.
Questions? Contact us at give@tmmc.org or(415) 289-7338.
What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A DAF is a tax-advantaged charitable giving account. DAFs are often compared to a 401(k) for retirement savings or a Health Savings Account (HSA) for healthcare expenses. You can contribute cash or assets, get the tax benefit up front (if applicable), invest the balance in the market and make grants out to nonprofits over time.
Any person, couple, or family can open a DAF account at more than 1,000 providers around the country. DAFs have surged in popularity in recent years because they are effective at increasing giving capacity and streamlining philanthropy for donors big and small.
Give: Contribute cash, stocks or other assets to be eligible for an immediate tax deduction
Grow: Advise how the donated funds are invested. Any investment growth is tax-free, making your impact even greater
Grant: Recommend grants from the fund to your favorite charity, like The Marine Mammal Center, now or over time
Please contact us at (415) 289-7338 or give@tmmc.org to learn more.
Donor-Advised Fund FAQ
What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
What is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that lets you make a donation, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time.
What are the main advantages of a DAF?
What are the main advantages of a DAF?
Simplicity: The DAF sponsor handles all administration and receipts
Flexibility: Separate tax timing from charitable giving
Tax-efficiency: No capital gains and potential for investment growth
Legacy: Build a tradition of family philanthropy
How do I set up a DAF?
How do I set up a DAF?
You open an account through a sponsoring organization such as a community foundation, financial institution, or nonprofit that offers DAFs. Your initial contribution could be in the form of cash, stock, or other assets.
Can I choose where my DAF grants go?
Can I choose where my DAF grants go?
Yes. You recommend grants to IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) charities like The Marine Mammal Center. The sponsoring organization conducts due diligence and then distributes the funds.
How much does it cost to maintain a DAF?
How much does it cost to maintain a DAF?
Fees vary. Sponsoring organizations may charge administrative fees plus investment management fees.
Do DAFs have minimum contribution or grant amounts?
Do DAFs have minimum contribution or grant amounts?
Many DAFs have minimums. Opening contributions can range from $500 to $25,000, with minimum grant recommendations often $50–$250.
What types of assets can I contribute to a DAF?
What types of assets can I contribute to a DAF?
DAF sponsors may accept publicly traded securities, mutual funds, cash, and in many cases, complex assets like private stock, real estate, or cryptocurrency.
Can my DAF balance grow over time?
Can my DAF balance grow over time?
Yes. Assets in your DAF can be invested, and any growth is tax-free, potentially increasing the amount available for future giving.
Why give from a DAF online?
Why give from a DAF online?
Avoid lost checks and mailing delays
Notify us of your donation instantly so we can thank you
Track your gift from initiation through fund receipt
What if I still have questions?
For questions on accessing, managing, and making distributions from your donor-advised fund (DAF), please contact your DAF administrator (e.g. Schwab, Fidelity, or Vanguard).
For questions on making a gift to the Center, please contact us at (415) 289-7338 or give@tmmc.org.