Donor Advised Funds allow the donor to recommend grants to specific nonprofit organizations (They must be a bona fide public charity and are subject to approval by The Pittsburgh Foundation's Board of Directors.) The original donor may also determine what the purpose of the fund will be after the donor's death, or may appoint future advisors (successor advisors) who will advise on its distribution annually.

• $10,000 minimum to establish
• Donor/Advisor recommends grants to any 501 (c)(3) in U.S., approval required by The Pittsburgh Foundation Board
• Grant checks cut weekly
• Ability to distribute grants from principal, to minimum required fund balance
• No minimum payout
• Expertise of The Pittsburgh Foundation staff available for consultation
• Built in peer networking
• Informational sessions and activities on charitable organizations and issues
• Unlimited successor advisors

What our donors are saying

"Having a Donor Advised Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation enables us to take part in the grantmaking process.  We work with Foundation staff to identify and select grantee organizations that work in areas in which we are interested, particularly with children and families.  The fund also helps us teach our children about philanthropy, and we plan to involve them directly with the fund as they grow older," said Jeff and Laurie Waller.