How to Transfer Your DAF to Brooklyn Org (and Why It Matters)

If you already have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with a national provider like Fidelity, Schwab, or Vanguard, you may not realize how easy it is to move your fund—or a portion of it—to a community foundation like Brooklyn Org.

And for many donors, making that move can significantly deepen the impact of their giving and create great values-alignment overall.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to transfer a Donor Advised Fund, why donors are making the switch, and what makes Brooklyn Org a compelling home for your philanthropy.

Why Transfer a Donor Advised Fund?

Donor Advised Funds have become one of the most popular charitable giving tools for a reason. They offer:

• Immediate tax deductions
• Flexibility in when and how you give
• The ability to grow charitable assets over time

But not all DAF providers offer the same experience. National sponsors like Fidelity Charitable or Vanguard Charitable tend to be transactional. For donors who want a deeper connection to their giving, that can be limiting.

The Brooklyn Org Difference

Brooklyn Org offers all the core benefits of a Donor Advised Fund—with a fundamentally different approach to philanthropy that is becoming a national model.

What stays the same:

• Full tax advantages
• Simple administration
• Flexible grantmaking
• Ability to contribute cash, stock, and other assets

What’s different:

• Local expertise: Deep knowledge of Brooklyn nonprofits and community needs
• Philanthropic advising: Hands-on support to help you give more strategically
• Stronger connection: Opportunities to engage with nonprofits and community leaders
• Community impact: All DAF providers charge modest administrative fees; at Brooklyn Org, fees are reinvested directly into Brooklyn, supporting nonprofits and strengthening the local ecosystem

How to Transfer Your Donor Advised Fund

The process is simpler than most donors expect—and can often be completed in a few steps.

Step 1: Open a DAF at Brooklyn Org

Start by establishing your Donor Advised Fund with Brooklyn Org. Our team will guide you through the process and tailor the fund to your goals.

Step 2: Request a Grant Transfer

From your current DAF provider (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, etc.), recommend a grant to:

Brooklyn Community Foundation DBA Brooklyn Org, EIN: 11-3422729

Please note that Brooklyn Org has a minimum $5,000 to establish a fund. This is treated as a charitable grant, not a taxable event.

Step 3: Allocate to Your New Fund

Once received, the funds are placed into your Brooklyn Org Donor Advised Fund, where you can begin recommending grants.

Can You Transfer Part of Your Fund?

Yes—and many donors do. You don’t need to move your entire DAF at once. You can:

• Start with a partial transfer
• Test the experience
• Gradually shift more of your giving over time

This flexibility makes it easy to explore a more locally connected approach without disrupting your broader giving strategy.

Why Now: A Limited-Time Opportunity to Grow Your Impact

If you’ve been considering transferring your DAF, this spring offers an additional reason to act.

Now through June 30th, Brooklyn Org is running a special campaign to grow local philanthropy and expand our community of donors.

When you open a Donor Advised Fund at Brooklyn Org, you’ll receive a $718 bonus grant to recommend to the Brooklyn-based nonprofit of your choice. Learn More

This incentive is designed to do more than kickstart your fund—it’s a way to immediately direct additional resources into Brooklyn’s nonprofit ecosystem.

Why Donors Are Making the Switch

We’re seeing a clear trend: donors want their philanthropy to feel more intentional, informed, and values aligned.

At Brooklyn Org, that looks like:

• Supporting nonprofits you might not otherwise discover
• Aligning your giving with community priorities and values
• Engaging your family in meaningful philanthropy
• Trusting our team to provide expert oversight and due diligence
• Seeing the tangible impact of your contributions

And importantly: knowing that your fund is part of something bigger—a collective effort to strengthen Brooklyn.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering transferring your DAF—or just want to explore your options—we’re here to help. Email us at donorservices@brooklyn.org to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions