Local DAFs: Why Some Choose to Bring Their Philanthropy Back Home
Written by Robin Elmerick, CICF Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy
Many generous people begin their philanthropic journey by establishing a donor-advised fund through a national charitable organization. It’s a simple, flexible way to organize giving, support favorite nonprofits, and set aside charitable dollars for the future.
For many donors, their current financial institution may be the right place to start.
Over time, though, philanthropy often becomes more personal. Donors begin asking different questions.
- How can I learn more about the needs specifically in Central Indiana?
- Which local nonprofits are making the biggest difference?
- How can I involve my children or grandchildren in our family’s giving?
- Who can help me think strategically about the legacy I want to create?
Those are the conversations I have every day with donors.
At CICF, we certainly help people manage charitable funds. But more importantly, we help people build a philanthropy that’s connected to the community they care about.
More than a giving account
A donor-advised fund is an excellent charitable giving tool. But the fund itself is only part of the story.
Many donors discover they’re looking for something beyond the convenience of online grantmaking. They want a trusted partner who understands the region, knows the nonprofit landscape, and can help them turn generous intentions into lasting impact.
That’s where a community foundation offers something different.
Every day, our team works alongside donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners across Central Indiana. We see emerging needs, innovative solutions, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Whether you’re passionate about parks and trails, housing, education, neighborhood revitalization, or another cause close to your heart, we can help connect your generosity with organizations creating real impact.
Bringing your fund to CICF is often simpler than people expect
If you already have a donor-advised fund elsewhere, moving all or part of it to CICF is typically a straightforward process.
It generally involves three simple steps:
- Start a conversation. We’ll learn about your philanthropic goals, answer your questions, and help determine whether establishing a donor-advised fund at CICF is the right fit.
- Establish your fund. Together, we’ll create a fund that reflects your family’s charitable vision, including selecting advisors and discussing how future generations might become involved.
- Transfer assets. Once your fund is established, you can recommend a grant from your existing donor-advised fund to your new CICF fund. Some donors transfer their entire balance, while others move a portion and maintain both funds. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Our team is happy to coordinate the details and make the process as smooth as possible.
A philanthropic partner for the long term
Moving a donor-advised fund isn’t really about changing providers.
It’s about gaining a local partner.
Some donors come to us because they want to better understand the issues shaping Central Indiana. Others want help evaluating nonprofits, involving family members in giving decisions, or creating a charitable legacy that reflects their values for generations to come.
Whatever brings you to the conversation, we’re here to listen first.
If you’ve wondered whether your philanthropy could be more connected to the community you call home, I’d love to talk with you. Sometimes the best next step isn’t changing your giving. It’s simply discovering new ways to make it even more meaningful.
Robin Elmerick, senior director of effective philanthropy has been with CICF since 2019. A certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor, she works closely with fundholders across all entities of the CICF Collaborative to help them define their philanthropic strategies and maximize their impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and consulting, she is passionate about bridging the needs of the community with the missions of nonprofits and the passions of our fundholders, aligning all three to create meaningful change in Central Indiana and beyond.
