Donor-Advised Funds

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a simple and flexible way to support the causes you care about. This guide answers some of the most common questions about DAFs and how they can be used to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)

A Donor-Advised Fund, often called a DAF, is a charitable giving account that allows individuals, families or businesses to set aside funds for charitable purposes. Donors can contribute to their DAF, receive any applicable tax benefits, and then recommend grants to charities over time.

Yes. If you have a Donor-Advised Fund, you can recommend a grant to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
DAF grants help us provide vital support, advice, rehabilitation and community services to people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions across Scotland.

Many donors choose to give through a DAF because it allows them to:

• Make charitable giving part of their long-term financial planning.
• Support causes they care about at a time that suits them.
• Build a lasting charitable legacy.
• Consolidate their charitable giving in one place.
• Involve family members in charitable decision-making.

Setting up a DAF is usually straightforward and can often be completed online through a DAF provider. The process typically involves:

1. Choosing a DAF provider that meets your charitable giving goals.
2. .Opening your DAF account and naming any additional advisers, such as family members.
3. Making an initial contribution, which may include cash, shares, investment assets or other eligible property.
4. Selecting an investment approach for the funds within the DAF, where applicable.
5. Recommending grants to charities whenever you are ready.

Once your fund is established, you can support multiple charities over time from a single charitable account.

DAF providers set their own minimum contribution requirements. Some are designed for major philanthropists, while others are accessible to donors who wish to build their charitable giving over time.
Please check directly with your chosen provider for details of any minimum fund or grant amounts.

Yes. Many DAF providers allow you to appoint additional advisers or successor advisers, making DAFs a popular way to involve family members in charitable giving and create a lasting philanthropic legacy.

A DAF may be worth considering if you:

• Give regularly to charity and would like a more structured approach to your philanthropy.
• Support multiple charities and would like to manage your giving through a single account.
• Wish to involve family members in charitable decision-making.
• Are developing a long-term giving strategy.
• Want the flexibility to make grants over time rather than making all donations immediately.

As CHSS cannot provide financial, legal or tax advice, we recommend seeking independent professional advice before establishing a DAF.

Simply contact your DAF provider and recommend a grant to:
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Scottish Charity Number: SC018761
Your DAF provider will guide you through their process for recommending a grant.

Yes. Once your DAF is established and funded, you can usually recommend a grant to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland straight away, subject to your provider’s approval process.

Yes. Depending on your DAF provider’s policies, you may be able to recommend one-off grants, recurring grants, or both.

Minimum grant amounts are set by your DAF provider rather than by CHSS. Please check directly with your provider for their requirements.

Usually, yes. Many DAF providers share donor details unless a donor chooses to remain anonymous.
If your details are shared, we will be delighted to thank you and, with your permission, keep you updated on the impact of your support.

Yes. Many DAF providers allow donors to recommend grants anonymously. If you choose this option, CHSS may receive your donation without your name or contact details.

Unrestricted donations allow us to direct funds where the need is greatest and where they can have the greatest impact.
However, if you are interested in supporting a particular area of our work, please contact our Philanthropy Team before recommending your grant so we can discuss available options.

Many DAFs accept contributions of assets such as shares, investment funds or other property before grants are made to charities.
Please speak to your DAF provider for information about the assets they accept.

Your support helps CHSS:

• Provide specialist support for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
• Deliver community-based services throughout Scotland.
• Reduce loneliness and isolation through peer support and community groups.
• Offer practical advice and information to individuals and families.
• Campaign for better services and improved outcomes for people affected by our conditions.

Every donation helps more people live life to the full after a diagnosis, hospital stay, or life-changing health event.

No. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland cannot provide tax, legal or financial advice.
We recommend that donors seek independent professional advice and consult their DAF provider regarding their individual circumstances.