In 2025, generosity took on new momentum across our region—and donor advised funds (DAFs) were a powerful force behind it. This past year, grants from DAFs more than doubled, surpassing $1.2 million distributed through 365 individual grants.

Behind each grant was a story: a nonprofit strengthening its core operations, a rural community bringing a long-imagined recreation project to life, a family responding to an urgent need, or a donor choosing to make a quiet, anonymous difference.

“As a community foundation, we have the privilege of seeing generosity at work from every angle,” said Will Oldford, Board Chair of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County. “Donor advised funds allow people to give in ways that are personally meaningful, while also creating lasting impact right here at home.”

Together, these grants reveal the unique power of donor advised funds when they are rooted in local knowledge, relationships and trust.

Meeting Needs Today—And Building Strength for Tomorrow

Many DAF grants in 2025 supported the general operations of nonprofits that are on the front lines every day—organizations like Harbor Impact Ministries, Yale Community Food Fund and Blue Water Safe Horizons. These flexible dollars help nonprofits keep the lights on, retain staff, respond to rising demand and serve people with dignity.

“Unrestricted and operating support is often the hardest funding for nonprofits to secure, yet it’s what keeps their doors open and their missions moving forward,” Oldford said. “Our DAF fund holders truly understand that strong nonprofits are essential to strong communities.”

Other donors looked further down the road, investing in long-term sustainability through endowed funds. Support for nonprofit endowments such as Hunter Hospitality House, the Dive Team Auxiliary and Friends of the Fort Gratiot Light that will continue generating impact for years— and generations—to come.

This balance of addressing immediate needs while strengthening long-term capacity is a key capability of donor advised funds.

Trust as a Strategy

One of the most meaningful trends we saw in 2025 was donors choosing to give with trust. Some grants were designated for specific requests—such as basic needs items or targeted program support. Others came with no strings attached, empowering nonprofits to allocate resources where they knew they were needed most.

“Trust-based philanthropy is not just a philosophy—it’s a strategy that works,” Oldford said. “When donors trust nonprofit leaders to do what’s best for their mission and the people they serve, the results are stronger and more sustainable.”

That trust reflects donors’ respect for the expertise of nonprofit leaders and their lived understanding of community needs.

From $100 to Transformational Support

DAF grants in 2025 ranged from $100 gifts to significantly larger investments, proving that impact is not defined by size alone. Donor advised fund holders supported organizations they care deeply about—those making a meaningful difference locally through work at the Athletic Factory, SONS Outreach, St. Clair Rotary, The Harbor and Imagination Library.

“Every grant tells a story,” Oldford said. “Whether it’s a small gift or a large one, what matters is that donors are directing their resources to causes they believe in and organizations they trust.”

Several standout grants helped rural recreation projects move from vision to reality—investments that strengthen community pride, health and connection. Others addressed emergency needs, responding quickly when circumstances were dire. Some of the most meaningful gifts were also made anonymously, reflecting donors’ desire to make a difference quietly and humbly.

Why Choose a Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation?

For many donors, a DAF at the Community Foundation offers the best of both worlds: flexibility and local expertise.

“The Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to connect donors with real opportunities for impact,” Oldford said. “We know the nonprofits, we know the challenges and we know where support can make the greatest difference.”

Donors can open a DAF as an individual, couple or family and engage at whatever level feels right. Some donors know exactly which organizations they want to support and simply appreciate the ease of recommending grants. Others enjoy site visits, conversations with nonprofit leaders and learning more about emerging needs before making decisions.

A donor advised fund at the Community Foundation offers:

• Firsthand knowledge of local nonprofits, programs and priorities
• Personalized guidance based on each donor’s interests and giving style
• A trusted philanthropic partner committed to long-term community strength

“A donor advised fund here isn’t just an account,” Oldford said. “It’s a relationship built around shared commitment to this community.”

Already Have a DAF Elsewhere? We Can Still Help.

Many donors hold DAFs at national financial institutions, and the Community Foundation regularly works alongside them to provide local insight and strategic guidance. From identifying high-impact opportunities to connecting donors with nonprofit leaders and on-the-ground knowledge, the Foundation helps ensure charitable dollars are used as effectively as possible.

“Even when a DAF is held elsewhere, donors often turn to us for guidance,” Oldford said. “Our role is to help bridge the gap between generosity and local impact.”

The Beauty of Donor Advised Giving

The beauty of donor advised funds lies in their adaptability. They honor the fact that generosity looks different for everyone—and that it can evolve over time. In 2025, DAFs empowered donors to respond quickly, give thoughtfully, involve family members, and align their charitable dollars with both heart and strategy.

“As we reflect on last year, one thing is clear,” Oldford said. “When donors are supported, informed and connected, generosity multiplies—and our entire community is stronger because of it.”

For more information visit the Giving Center on the Community Foundation’s website or reach out to the Donor Relations team at 810-984-4761.