Frequently asked questions

A donor-advised fund is a charitable giving account that allows you to contribute funds, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to charities over time. DAFs are managed by sponsoring organizations (like the GoFundMe Giving Fund ), which handle the administration, tax receipting, and grant distribution.

Think of a DAF as a giving wallet. You deposit money (or, coming soon, assets like stocks), get a tax deduction upfront, and decide later where that money goes. In the meantime, the funds can be invested to grow tax-free – helping you potentially give even more in the future.

DAFs provide:

• Immediate tax deductions
• Centralized donation records
• Investment options for tax-free growth
• Flexibility to support multiple charities over time
• Privacy and control over your giving

A Giving Fund is your personal donor-advised fund, managed through the GoFundMe Giving Fund in partnership with GoFundMe. It’s a simple, powerful way to plan and manage your charitable giving—whether you want to support nonprofits, schools, or crisis relief efforts. You can give to causes that matter to you, all while keeping your giving organized and growing over time.

Yes, GoFundMe Giving Fund is the name of the nonprofit that acts as the DAF sponsor. It holds and manages your Giving Fund on your behalf and ensures that all grants go to eligible organizations.

It only takes a few minutes:

1. Create your account or sign in
2. Add funds (as little as $5)
3. Start recommending grants to causes or individuals

Find out more about how to create a GoFundMe Giving Fund.

You don’t need a minimum balance to open an account. With as little as $5, you can make your first contribution, making this one of the most accessible DAF options on the market.

You can contribute via credit card, debit, or ACH transfer. You will also be able to donate non-cash assets like stocks and cryptocurrency in the months ahead.

Yes, you can personalize your Giving Fund with a name that reflects your values, your family, or a cause you support.

In a few months, you will be able to schedule recurring contributions to help grow your fund gradually and take full advantage of tax benefits throughout the year.

Yes, you get an immediate federal income tax deduction in the year you contribute.
Contribution limits (IRS guidelines):

Yes, the GoFundMe Giving Fund provides you with one simple, consolidated tax receipt each year—covering all your contributions, no matter how many causes you support.

As long as your cash contribution is made before midnight EST on December 31, it counts for that tax year. Giving late in the year is a common way to maximize tax deductions while deciding where to grant later.

GoFundMe’s platform makes it easy to search, discover, and follow causes you care about—whether it’s disaster relief, mental health, animal rescue, or local schools. You can browse recommendations or save your favorites to return later.

Yes, you can choose to make your grants public or anonymous, depending on your comfort and preferences.

All grant recommendations are reviewed to ensure compliance with IRS rules and GoFundMe Giving Funds’ guidelines. You cannot use the funds to support yourself, fulfill personal obligations or for any peer to peer fundraisers on GoFundMe.

Yes. Giving Funds can be invested in low-cost portfolios, which may help your charitable dollars go further over time. Any growth is tax-free since the funds are already considered a charitable donation.

No. You can keep your funds in a non-invested balance and use them for giving right away.

Absolutely. GoFundMe Giving Funds are backed by industry-standard security protocols, ensuring peace of mind for donors and recipients alike​.

GoFundMe Giving Fund doesn’t charge any administrative fees, but users can add a voluntary contribution when making a donation, to help the GoFundMe Giving Fund support platform operations and compliance requirements.

Yes. Friendly support is available to walk you through setting up your fund, understanding tax receipts, or navigating grants. Visit the Help Center for more.

Yes. You can name GoFundMe Giving Fund as a charitable beneficiary in your will or trust, allowing your Giving Fund to continue supporting causes you care about after your lifetime.

You can work with your estate planner to include language in your will or living trust that designates a portion of your estate to your GoFundMe Giving Fund. Reach out to our support team for sample language.

Yes, you can name individuals to take over grantmaking from your Giving Fund, ensuring your giving legacy lives on.

Yes. Bequests to GoFundMe Giving Fund may be eligible for an estate tax deduction, depending on the size and structure of your estate. Consult your estate attorney or tax advisor for guidance.

If you give even a few times a year – or want to start giving more intentionally – a Giving Fund helps you stay organized, plan your donations, and take full advantage of tax benefits. It’s like having your own charitable foundation, but without the complexity or high minimums.

Yes! A Giving Fund allows you to plan ahead, contribute once, and make thoughtful, strategic grants throughout the year. You’ll also receive a single tax receipt, simplifying your taxes.

Please keep in mind that Giving Funds can only make donations to charities, schools, religious organizations and causes you care about so you won’t be able to support any peer to peer fundraisers with this charitable giving account.