Your Resource for Year-End Giving with a Donor-Advised Fund
THE END OF THE YEAR CAN BE HECTIC, but it’s also a time to reflect on what’s important, and to give to the organizations and causes you think make the world a better place. NPT’s donor-advised funds can help you streamline your generosity. We handle the administration so you can spend time and energy on what matters most—deciding where and how to give.
On this page, you will find tips to help you make the most of an NPT DAF this season.
Refer to these important dates to ensure that your contributions—of any type—are received by December 31. Following these guidelines will help to ensure that National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) receives your contributions by December 31 for treatment as a 2020 gift.
Most assets require the submission of a Contribution Agreement, which may either be completed via PDF, or online via the donor portal.
| DEADLINE | WHAT TO DO | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Submit by 11:59pm on December 31 | Log in to the donor portal and click Contribute With Credit Card. Once processed, all donations are irrevocable. |
| Check | Must be postmarked by December 31 if using USPS Must be received by December 31 if using any non-USPS mail carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.) | Submit a check made payable to “National Philanthropic Trust.” Note the DAF name and account number in the memo section. |
| Money Wire | Initiate transfer by December 28 Must be received by December 31 | Submit a Contribution Agreement to NPT, then submit a transfer request to the financial institution holding the funds. Find wire instructions here. |
| Stocks, Bonds and ETFs* | Initiate transfer by December 23 Must be received by December 31 | Submit a Contribution Agreement to NPT, then submit a transfer request to the financial institution holding the assets. Find transfer instructions here. |
| Mutual Funds* | Initiate transfer by November 30 Must be received by December 31 | Submit a Contribution Agreement to NPT, then submit a transfer request to the financial institution holding the fund(s). Find transfer instructions here. |
| Special Securities, Real Estate and Closely Held Stock | As early as possible | Contact NPT at (888) 878-7900 for assistance. |
| Stock Certificates | Must be postmarked by December 31 if using USPS Must be received by December 31 if using any non-USPS mail carrier (FedEx, UPS, etc.) | Mail physical certificate and stock or bond power with medallion guarantee separately, and be sure to complete a Contribution Agreement. Find further instructions here. |
* For gifts of stock, bonds, ETFs or mutual funds, please note that the external custodian currently holding the assets may require that you submit a Letter of Instruction to initiate the transfer of the assets; if so, please present originals of the completed Letter of Instruction to the external custodian and not to NPT.
Many of your favorite charities will be making their year-end appeals soon. Follow these deadlines to ensure that your support will be counted this year.
| DEADLINE | WHAT TO DO | |
|---|---|---|
| To give NPT sufficient time to review your grant recommendation, make a determination by year-end and send approved grant payments in 2020: | Enter grant recommendation by 5pm on December 23. If approved, grants will be mailed on or before December 31. | Enter your grant recommendation in your donor portal, or email or fax a completed Grant Recommendation form to NPT. |
| To give NPT sufficient time to review your grant recommendation, make a determination by 2020 year-end and send approved grant payments early in 2021: | Enter grant recommendation by 5pm on December 28. Grant determinations will be made in 2020, and—if approved—mailed on or before January 5, 2021. | Enter your grant recommendation in your donor portal, or email or fax a completed Grant Recommendation form to NPT. |
To learn more about how we ensure that your grant will be used for charitable purposes and how we protect you from scams, read our blog: What is Due Diligence? The Things NPT Asks Before Approving Your Grant.
To support your year-end giving, National Philanthropic Trust will offer extended hours starting Monday, November 30:
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET
These hours will be in effect through year end, except on the following special days:
Nov. 26: CLOSED
Nov. 27: 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Dec. 24: 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Dec. 25: CLOSED
Special weekend hours:
Saturday, December 26: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, December 27: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. ET
Additional evening and weekend hours are available by appointment. Please contact us at (888) 878-7900 or npt@nptrust.org with any questions or to schedule an appointment. This season and always, we are proud to be your partner in giving.
Additional Resources
Looking for more guidance on how to focus your philanthropy? Our website is a wealth of resources to help you plan ahead, even as the clock runs out on the year. Here are a few to get you started:
- Establish a Giving Tradition. Many of us are in the family mindset as we approach the holidays. If you are thinking about how to give together as a family, this guide will help you start laying the groundwork for a charitable legacy.
- Explore Impact Investing. NPT’s offers thematic impact investment portfolios to help donors align their DAF investment strategy with their philanthropic values, as well as a brand-new menu of curated private investments for customized impact investment solutions.
- Gain Insight into DAF Capabilities. Our DAF Insights for Advisors blog series explores advanced strategies for donor-advised funds, and offers tips on having philanthropic conversations to narrow down the best charitable strategies for you. One that may be of use to you at this time of year is Tips to Help Your Clients Maximize Giving in 2020.
