But while setting up a DAF is easier than ever—often through national financial institutions—it’s important to ask yourself:

👉 Where is my money really going?
👉 Is it making the biggest impact possible?
👉 Does it reflect my values and the needs of my community?

At Truman Heartland Community Foundation, we believe philanthropy should be personal, strategic, and rooted in the communities we call home. 

While national DAF providers can offer convenience, they often lack the local expertise, relationships, and hands-on support that help donors create a meaningful and lasting impact.

The Growing Popularity of Donor-Advised Funds

DAFs are reshaping the culture of philanthropy. With over $250 billion in assets held in these funds nationwide, they provide a powerful way for donors to organize their giving, support multiple charities, and take advantage of tax benefits.

However, many donors don’t realize that their charitable dollars—when managed by a national DAF provider—may not necessarily benefit the causes or communities closest to their hearts. Instead, funds may remain undistributed for long periods, or they may go to large, well-known national charities rather than addressing critical local needs.

That’s where a community foundation makes all the difference.

Why Work with a Community Foundation for Your DAF?

At Truman Heartland Community Foundation, we offer a more thoughtful and connected approach to philanthropy. Here’s how we help our donors make the most of their charitable giving:

1. Deep Local Knowledge for a Greater Impact

When you work with a community foundation, you gain access to trusted experts who understand the most pressing needs in your area. Unlike national DAF providers, we are on the ground, working closely with local nonprofits, civic leaders, and organizations that create real, measurable change.

Instead of simply distributing grants at random, we help connect your passion with purpose, ensuring that your generosity supports causes that align with your values and create meaningful, lasting impact in your own backyard.

2. Personalized, Hands-On Philanthropic Support

A national DAF provider may offer a platform to manage donations, but they lack the personal touch that makes giving truly rewarding. At Truman Heartland, we provide:

• Personalized philanthropic advising – We help you create a strategic giving plan based on your goals and interests.
• Grantmaking support – Need guidance on the best local organizations to support? We do the research for you.
• Legacy planning – Whether you want to involve future generations in philanthropy or establish an ongoing charitable legacy, we offer expert guidance to ensure your vision lives on.

3. Keeping Your Charitable Dollars in Your Community

A major drawback of national DAF providers is that your funds could be distributed anywhere in the country—even to causes that don’t directly impact your community.

At Truman Heartland, we ensure that your generosity stays local, supporting the organizations and initiatives that strengthen the place you call home. When you choose a community foundation, you’re not just giving—you’re investing in your community’s future.

4. Responsiveness in Times of Crisis

One of the biggest benefits of partnering with a community foundation is our ability to respond quickly when unexpected needs arise. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic downturn, or urgent social issue, we mobilize resources immediately, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

With a national provider, your funds may sit in an account for years, waiting to be distributed. But at Truman Heartland, we believe in taking action when it matters most.

5. All the Benefits of a National DAF—With a Local, Mission-Driven Focus

Working with Truman Heartland gives you the same tax benefits, investment growth potential, and flexibility as a national provider—while also ensuring that your funds are actively making a difference in your community.

You can still contribute a variety of assets, including:
✅ Cash and appreciated stock
✅ Real estate and business interests
✅ Retirement assets and life insurance

But instead of your funds sitting untouched in a large financial institution, they will be strategically distributed to create meaningful change in the areas you care about most.

Making the Most of Your Donor-Advised Fund

As DAFs continue to grow in popularity, they are becoming a mainstream giving tool, much like retirement or college savings accounts. But simply having a DAF isn’t enough—the real power lies in how you use it.

By partnering with Truman Heartland Community Foundation, you ensure your giving is strategic, impactful, and deeply connected to your community.

If you already have a DAF with a national provider, it’s never too late to explore ways to maximize its impact locally. We can help you:

✔ Transfer your existing DAF to Truman Heartland
✔ Identify high-impact giving opportunities
✔ Ensure that your philanthropy aligns with your values and goals

Let’s Make a Difference Together

At Truman Heartland Community Foundation, we believe in thoughtful, community-driven philanthropy. When you choose to work with us, you’re choosing a future where your generosity directly improves lives in your community.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you make the most of your Donor-Advised Fund, reach out today. Together, we can create a smarter, more impactful approach to giving—one that keeps your charitable dollars working for the people and places you care about most.

📍 Contact: Cole Eason
📧 Email: Eason@thcf.org
📞 Phone: (816) 912-4182

Your generosity has the power to change lives right here at home. Let’s build a stronger, more connected community—one thoughtful donation at a time.