A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) and an IRA/Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) are similar in that both are ways for donors to contribute to charity, but they are not the same. Here’s how they differ:

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF):

  • A DAF is a charitable giving account set up by the donor at a financial institution, where they can make contributions and then recommend grants to qualifying charities over time.

  • The donor funds the DAF with cash, stocks, or other assets, and can recommend grants to any charity in good standing with the IRS.

  • Donors can use the DAF for multiple charitable gifts over time, and contributions to the DAF are tax-deductible at the time the money is contributed.

IRA/Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD):

  • A QCD allows IRA account holders (age 70½ or older) to donate directly from their IRA to a qualifying charity, up to a certain limit, while fulfilling their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) requirement.

  • The amount donated is excluded from taxable income, providing a tax benefit, but it can only be a direct transfer from the IRA to the charity.

  • QCDs cannot be made to a DAF or other donor-advised accounts—the donation must go directly to the charity.

Key Differences:

  • DAF is a donor-controlled fund where they can recommend grants over time, while QCD is a direct donation from an IRA to a charity that meets IRS requirements for RMDs.

  • A QCD offers tax benefits specifically for IRA holders, while DAF donations offer flexibility for future charitable giving.


To help the donor give through their Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), provide the following information:

  1. Make the gift payable to Reliant, and include your Fund Number in the designation/memo line.

  2. If the foundation requires it, provide Reliant's Federal ID Number (FEIN/EIN): 52-1707002

  3. A letter from the foundation is often sent on behalf of the donor, including the donor's contact information. This helps us ensure the donation is properly processed and the donor's info is entered into our system.

  4. Finally, give the donor Reliant's mailing address for the foundation to send the gift:
    Reliant
    11002 Lake Hart Dr, Ste 100
    Orlando, FL 32832

This ensures a smooth and accurate process for DAF donations.


For foundation gifts, the donor's name will not appear directly on the donation record. Instead, the gift will show up under the foundation’s name because Reliant does not issue a receipt to the donor. However, we will soft credit the donor for our internal records.

The foundation will send the donor a receipt for their contribution.





Q: A donor has asked to give through a foundation. What information do I need to provide them?

A: Let them know the gift needs to be payable to Reliant Mission as well as include your FD number as the designation/memo line.
A: Some foundations need a Federal ID number (FEIN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Reliant's FEIN/EIN is: 52-1707002
A: Often, the foundation will send a letter on behalf of the donor with the contact information from the donor initiating the gift. This allows Reliant to enter the donor's info into Reliant's system.
A: 
Lastly, make sure that the donor has the mailing address for Reliant Central to give to the foundation:

11002 Lake Hart Dr Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32832


Q: My donor has said the gift went through, but I can't find their name. Am I missing something?

A: With foundation gifts, Reliant does not make a receipt for the donor, which means the gift will show up under the name of the foundation instead of the donor who initiated it. 


Q: Is there any other relevant information that the donor should be aware of when giving by the foundation?

A: Since the foundation is making the donation, the donor will not receive a gift receipt from Reliant.


Q: I have additional questions about foundation giving.

A: Feel free to call the gift services hotline anytime before 4 pm EST: 877-614-4600 or send them an email: gift.services@reliant.org


For questions, please contact your liaison
US Based MissionariesCollegiate & GCC MissionariesInterns/ResidentsInternational Missionaries


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