Do you have any idea what a donor-advised fund is? I didn’t until my conversation with the founder of Groundswell, Jake Wood. Jake is no stranger to charitable giving and non-profits, as he c0-founded Team Rubicon in 2010. In this conversation, Jake explains how any individual or business can give like Bill Gates, be taxed like Warren Buffett, and be recognized like John D. Rockefeller through such a simple giving mechanism–donor-advised funds.
Episode Highlights
- The history of Donar-Advised Funds (DAF)
- How Team Rubicon influenced Groundswell
- The Groundswell origin story
- A purpose of democratizing philanthropy
- Who can start a DAF, and what’s the minimum investment?
- A DAF in just 60 seconds
- The $1 minimum
- A DAF can include stock and real estate
- DAF ≠ Employee Hardship Funds
- Irrevocable Donations – no clawbacks
- A company DAF for employees and matches
- Similarities and distinctions to 401k plans
- Similarities and distinctions to HSAs
Important Links
- What is a Donor-Advised Fund? This is the most complete content I’ve read on these funds. No question is left unanswered in this very readable text on the Groundswell website.
- The Bridge Between Companies and Non-profits
- Complete Guide to Setting Up a Matching Gift Program for your Company
Before I met Jake Wood for our conversation, I was on a mission to learn more about donor-advised funds. I initially reached out to two of his marketing and communications team members. Ultimately, I was connected to Jake. During my homework and discovery phase leading up to the interview, I found this TEDx presentation which is short, on point, and inspiring. During our conversation, I mentioned this talk with Jake, and I’d be remiss if I did not include it here.
More than a humanitarian, philanthropist, and business founder, Jake Wood is also the author of Once a Warrior.
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