Donor-Advised Grants

Donor advised funds at the RSF Foundation allow donors to recommend grants to their preferred charitable causes, with approval by Foundation staff and Board of Directors. Many donor advisors already know which projects they want to support, but some seek direction. All are interested in the impact the nonprofit sector is having in our region.

Connecting with donor advisors

Donors throughout the area learn about projects from the Direct Connect newsletter. The Foundation staff spends significant time researching charitable organizations and community needs, and is also a resource. This research, including site visits, helps keep our donor advisors up to date about how their financial might be most beneficial.

Because grants from donor advised funds are based on consultations with and recommendations from individual and family donors, grant applications to donor advised funds are not accepted.

Eligibility

The following organizations are eligible for funding from donor-advised grants:

• 501(c)(3) public charities
• Charitable projects operating under the fiscal sponsorship of the above
• Educational institutions (public or private schools)
• Public agencies (e.g., Fire Department)
• Churches and other religious institutions

Organizations not eligible:

• 501(c)(3) private non-operating foundations related to the donor
• Political parties or candidates
• Individuals
• Groups not complying with IRS filing requirements
• Groups or projects that confer goods and services, or other benefits, to the donor advisor in exchange for a grant

Acknowledging Grants

Donor-advised grants are issued by the RSF Foundation. A letter acknowledging the receipt of the grant will be enclosed with the check, for your signature and return. If you choose to recognize the donor in your annual report or other materials, please list both the name of the donor advised fund and Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. If the grant is anonymous, please simply list the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation.