How a DAF Can Help Your Clients Give Globally

The challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and growing humanitarian crises around the world are prompting more and more donors to consider their options for global giving.

Through our donor-advised funds (DAFs) we have sent millions to charities in more than 30 countries on six continents. We work with donors who support a wide range of causes in all corners of the world, from locally led organisations delivering immediate disaster relief, to multinational aid agencies supporting long-term food sustainability, healthcare access and literacy programmes.

Choosing a DAF for international giving allows your clients to give to a charity virtually anywhere in the world, benefiting from similar levels of flexibility as giving domestically.   When giving internationally, NPT UK takes care of all the additional due diligence and regulatory administration to determine the eligibility of the grant and the charity. This includes reviewing a charitable organisation’s legal, financial and charitable structure in its own country, as well as examining the proposed use of the grant funds to make sure they align with charitable purposes as defined by UK law. Your clients can have peace of mind for regulatory compliance.

For multi-jurisdictional families, DAFs offer a range of benefits to international donors, including the ability to use offshore trusts and other fiduciary vehicles to make contributions. This allows different family members to be involved wherever they are based.

NPT UK offers multiple options for your clients to give internationally, including giving directly to a charitable organisation outside the UK, to UK-based charities with a global mission, and to intermediary charities (UK-based non-profits that fund overseas charities).  To be inspired about international giving, visit the NPT UK grants highlights page.

About the Author

John Canady, CEO of National Philanthropic Trust UK, has 25 years of experience working across the business, nonprofit and government sectors. He specializes in creating and managing philanthropic funds for donors and family offices around the world who wish to base their philanthropy from the UK.