What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) — and You Can Supports Sikh Causes
Giving with Intention, the Sikh Way
In Sikhi, Dasvandh — giving one-tenth of one’s earnings — is more than tradition. It’s a spiritual discipline rooted in gratitude and service (seva).
Today, Sikh donors can practice that same principle through modern tools that make giving more intentional, strategic, and impactful.
One of the most powerful of these is the Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) — a flexible, tax-efficient way to plan charitable giving while supporting Sikh-led organizations through Dasvandh Network (DVN).
What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
A Donor-Advised Fund functions like a charitable savings and investment account.
You contribute cash, stock, or other assets to your DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants over time to nonprofits — including Sikh-led organizations supported through DVN.
In simple terms:
Contribute to your DAF (through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or another provider).
Receive your charitable tax deduction right away.
Your contribution is invested and can grow tax-free.
You can recommend grants from your DAF whenever you’re ready.
Because funds in a DAF are already irrevocably designated for charitable purposes, no taxes are taken out when the money is granted to nonprofits.
That means 100% of your DAF grant goes directly to impact, not to taxes or fees.
Why a DAF Fits the Sikh Philosophy of Giving
Sikh teachings encourage thoughtful, consistent giving — not as a one-time act, but as an ongoing discipline of compassion and humility. DAFs reflect this perfectly:
🕊 Sustained Seva: Plan your giving over many years, ensuring ongoing support for Sikh causes.
💫 Intentional Impact: Choose when, how, and where your donations will do the most good.
🌱 Collective Benefit: Support multiple Sikh nonprofits through DVN from a single fund.
📈 Growth for Good: Invested balances grow tax-free, increasing your capacity for seva over time.
Benefits of a DAF vs. Typical Charitable Giving
In short: a DAF lets you give more, grow your impact.
How to Support Sikh Causes Through Your DAF
Supporting Sikh causes through your DAF is simple and secure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Log in to your DAF provider (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, etc.).
Search for the grantee:
Dasvandh Network
EIN: 27-2077232
Address: 6002 Camp Bullis Rd, San Antonio, TX 78257
Phone: 248-906-8039
Recommend a grant payable to Dasvandh Network.
If your DAF allows you to add a memo or note:
Indicate the charitable project, cause, or organization your gift supports — for example:
“For the DasvandhWeek Match Fund”
“For [specific partner organization or project name]”
Notify us:
After submitting your DAF grant, please email [email protected] with your DAF provider, grant amount, and intended purpose.
This helps us confirm receipt and allocate your donation correctly.
Your DAF provider will send the funds directly to Dasvandh Network, and we’ll distribute them to the Sikh-led organizations or initiatives you choose.
Speak With Your Advisor or DAF Provider
If you’re new to DAFs or wondering whether one fits your goals:
Speak with your financial advisor or tax professional to explore how a DAF may complement your charitable and financial plans.
Contact your DAF provider (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, etc.) for help setting up an account or recommending a grant.
Email [email protected] if you’d like guidance on directing your DAF gift toward specific Sikh-led causes through DVN.
Your advisors can help ensure your DAF contributions are structured for maximum financial efficiency and spiritual impact.
Faith Meets Financial Wisdom
DAFs aren’t just financial instruments — they’re a bridge between modern philanthropy and timeless Sikh values.
They empower you to:
Give with clarity and foresight,
Grow your charitable resources tax-free,
Support multiple Sikh causes with one fund, and
Sustain the legacy of Dasvandh for future generations.
When you give through a DAF, your seva continues — and grows — even beyond your lifetime.
