Givers kept giving despite bear market, says report on donor-advised funds

Givers kept giving despite bear market, says report on donor-advised funds
Donor-advised funds' grants to charities around the world were up 60% this year compared to pre-pandemic 2019 and have increased 400% over the past decade, according to the report. 
NOV 16, 2022

Stocks and bonds may have suffered this year, but philanthropists did not stop giving.

The 2022 Donor-Advised Fund Report released Tuesday by the National Philanthropic Trust revealed growth in all key DAF metrics for the 12th consecutive year. The new report also shows that DAF grant-making to charities around the world grew 60% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 and increased 400% over the past decade. 

According to the report, the value of grants that DAFs made to charities around the world rose 28.2% to $45.74 billion this year, while contributions to DAFs grew 46.6% to $72.67 billion and charitable assets increased 39.5% to $234.06 billion. Finally, the report showed the number of DAF accounts was up 27.6% to 1,285,801, while the grant-making payout rate grew to a record 27.3%. 

“Global events like Covid-19 and the vaccine distribution, calls for racial justice, political unrest, supply chain challenges and its impact on the economy and then a steep increase in the U.S. financial markets were some factors that motivated DAF donors to support causes important to them,” Eileen Heisman, CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, said in a statement.

Heisman added that this year’s record DAF payout bodes well for next year. Historically, when donor-advised funds experience material year-over-year increases in contributions, they tend to see “heightened and sustained grant-making to charities the following years,” she said. 

“With a bear market and rising inflation putting pressure on every American, every business and every nonprofit’s budget, charities and donors alike are feeling the adverse effects of market fluctuations. It’s likely charities will find fundraising more difficult, and some donors may tighten their charitable giving budgets — whether they’re donating cash or appreciated stock,” said Jodi Rosen, director of business and product development at Vanguard Charitable.

Despite these challenges, however, Rosen believes that donors who use donor-advised funds are uniquely positioned to maintain their giving in the long-term since DAFs are positioned to be counter-cyclical. The money in a DAF is already committed for charity, so even when stocks are down and donors may not be able to contribute as much, they can continue to grant out money from their DAF.

“We saw that happen in 2008 and 2009, and we’re encouraging our donors to continue granting at steady rates, especially coming off record granting years during the pandemic,” Rosen said.

InvestmentNews recognizes the achievements of Cambridge CEO Amy Webber

Latest News

DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week
DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week

Medicare scam, pandemic benefit theft, offshore tax evasion — federal prosecutors are casting a wide net.

Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout
Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout

Report finds that pension income acts as a financial lifeline for retirees facing late-life shocks and raises urgent questions about the DC-only future.

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline