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Celebrating National DAF Day: Making a Difference Through Donor-Advised Funds
FUNDS IMPACT Legacy Giving

Celebrating National DAF Day: Making a Difference Through Donor-Advised Funds

October 8, 2026

Happy National DAF Day!

What’s a DAF, you ask? A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a simple, flexible way to organize your charitable giving, support the causes you care about, and make a lasting difference in your community and beyond.

At the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHC), we have upwards of 135 donor-advised funds established by individuals and families who want to make their charitable giving easier, more meaningful, and more impactful.

We partner with our fundholders to understand their philanthropic goals, connect them with causes that matter to them, and help maximize the impact of their generosity in Howard County and beyond.

“Donor-advised funds are about more than charitable giving. They’re about building relationships and helping people turn their generosity into meaningful impact. At CFHC, we work closely with our fundholders to understand what matters most to them and help them make a difference in Howard County and beyond.”

Dan Flynn, Director of Development & External Relations, CFHC

Three Reasons to Start a Donor-Advised Fund

1. Simplify Your Charitable Giving – Make contributions to your DAF when it’s convenient for you, then recommend grants to your favorite nonprofits over time. CFHC handles the administration, recordkeeping, and grant distributions, making it easier to focus on giving.

2. Give Strategically and Maximize Your Impact – A DAF offers potential tax advantages when you contribute, along with the flexibility to support charitable causes on your own timeline. With CFHC’s local knowledge and philanthropic expertise, you can discover new opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

3. Create a Lasting Legacy of Generosity – Use your DAF to support the organizations and causes you care about today while building a tradition of giving for the future. You can involve family members in charitable decisions and establish a philanthropic legacy that reflects your values.

Giving Today. Making an Impact for Years to Come.

Whether you’re just beginning your philanthropic journey or looking for a more effective way to manage your charitable giving, a donor-advised fund at CFHC offers flexibility, personal guidance, and a trusted local partner.

On National DAF Day, we celebrate and thank our fundholders for their generosity, trust, and commitment to making a difference.

Interested in establishing your own donor-advised fund? Visit CFHC to learn how we can help you achieve your charitable goals and make a lasting impact.