Goodbye brat summer, hello DAF fall

Now that the sun has set on brat summer, we have the chance to declare the next season’s aesthetic – and at Brooklyn Org, we thought, why not make it DAF fall? It’s giving…giving.

If you’ve indulged us by reading this far, you’re probably curious about what a “DAF” is. DAF stands for Donor Advised Fund, a type of charitable account you can create at a community-based organization like Brooklyn Org – it’s like setting up your own private foundation without all the paperwork. You can donate money or other assets to your fund to get an immediate tax benefit, and then distribute that money to causes you care about, at your own speed.

This Thursday, October 10th is DAF Day, a new kind of giving day that reframes how Donor Advised Funds are used, and who uses them. In honor of DAF Day, we’re sharing the ins and outs of Donor Advised Funds as a tool you can consider for giving back to your community and the causes you care about beyond Brooklyn:

Who is a DAF for?

A DAF is for anyone – and if you care about equity, justice, or Brooklyn, a DAF at Brooklyn Org is definitely for you. As a fund holder at Brooklyn Org, you can give to U.S.-based nonprofits while your fees give back to Brooklyn by supporting our racial justice work.

What kinds of DAFs are there?

We offer several fund types, but the most accessible funds are Tribute Funds and Giving Circles, which have a flexible minimum initial contribution.

You can commemorate a special occasion or big life event, like a welcoming new child in your family, celebrating a wedding (or a divorce if you’re so inclined), marking your 10-year milestone of living in NYC (the unofficial timeline to “become” a New Yorker), and more with a Tribute Fund.

New Yorkers are known to create niche communities – from dressing up like Fran Lebowitz to crafting fire hydrant sidewalk aquariums, creative opportunities for connection unite people across our beautiful and odd city. Giving Circles are a good option for communities like these, groups of friends, or like-minded individuals looking to amplify their impact by giving together. Like the charitable version of a book club, how you organize your goals and your group’s structure is up to you. If you already have a club or community that you’re a part of, consider creating a Giving Circle to support causes you all care about.

Why Open A DAF? Why Open One With Brooklyn Org?

Brooklyn Org is a platform and a partner that aims to democratize philanthropy and give every Brooklynite a seat at the table. With a fund at Brooklyn Org, you’ll maximize your tax benefits and your impact. Our online fund portal is convenient and easy to use, and you can track the impact of your giving over time without having to maintain your own records of contributions. And our team knows their stuff – with our 15+ years of grantmaking experience and expertise, we can help you tailor your giving to your interests.