Donor-Advised Funds · Northern Kentucky
Open a Donor-Advised Fund in Northern Kentucky
Simplify your charitable giving while maximizing your tax benefits. Horizon Community Foundation helps individuals, families, and businesses throughout Northern Kentucky create flexible donor-advised funds that support the causes they care about — today and for generations to come.
What Is a Donor-Advised Fund?
A Simple, Flexible Charitable Giving Account
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account that gives you ongoing, flexible involvement in your philanthropy. It’s a convenient tool for individuals, families, and businesses who want to be personally involved in charitable giving. Once your fund is established, you can add to it at any time and recommend grants immediately or in the future.
Unlike a private foundation, a donor-advised fund is less costly, easier to administer, and more flexible. You take your tax deduction up front, then choose your own schedule for giving as your charitable dollars grow tax-free. Our experienced philanthropic team provides guidance whenever you need it — on your own or alongside your financial advisor.
Your Giving Account at a Glance
- Immediate tax deduction
- Charitable dollars grow tax-free
- Grant to any charity, anytime
- Give cash or appreciated assets
- Lower cost than a private foundation
Why a Donor-Advised Fund?
Why Not Just Write a Check to Your Favorite Charity?
You can — but a donor-advised fund turns one-time giving into a smarter, lasting charitable strategy. Here’s what a DAF does that a single donation can’t.
Immediate Tax Deduction
Deduct your gift now, even if you decide where to grant it later.
Support Many Charities
Fund one account, then support multiple nonprofits over time.
Give Appreciated Assets
Donate stock or property and avoid capital gains tax.
Involve Your Family
Bring children and loved ones into your giving decisions.
A Lasting Strategy
Build an intentional, multi-year charitable giving plan.
How It Works
Give. Grow. Grant.
Three simple steps turn your generosity into lasting impact for Northern Kentucky.
Give
Give to your fund and receive a charitable tax deduction now.
Grow
Your charitable investment grows tax-free over time.
Grant
Recommend grants to the causes and nonprofits you love.
Why Horizon
Why Northern Kentucky Families Choose Horizon
As your local community foundation, we pair deep regional roots with experienced philanthropic expertise — so your giving goes further, close to home.
Local Expertise
Deep knowledge of Northern Kentucky nonprofits and needs.
Personalized Service
One-on-one guidance tailored to your charitable goals.
Community Relationships
Connections that help your gifts reach the right causes.
Lower Fees
More of your gift goes to the community, not overhead.
Flexible Giving
Give on your timeline, to the charities you choose.
Experienced Advisors
A philanthropic team that works alongside your financial advisor.
Who Can Give
Who Can Open a Donor-Advised Fund
Donor-advised funds work for a wide range of givers across Northern Kentucky.
Individuals & Families
Families who want hands-on, personal philanthropy and a shared legacy.
Businesses & Corporations
Companies building a structured, flexible corporate giving program.
Private Foundations
Foundations seeking a simpler, lower-cost giving vehicle.
What You Can Give
Fund Your Giving With More Than Cash
Contribute a wide range of assets — including appreciated assets — now or through your estate plan.
Compare Your Options
Donor-Advised Fund vs. Private Foundation
For most donors, a donor-advised fund delivers the benefits of a private foundation with far less cost and complexity.
Why a Donor-Advised Fund
Advantages of a Donor-Advised Fund
Ten reasons donors across Northern Kentucky choose a donor-advised fund with Horizon.
Lasting Legacy
Create a legacy that keeps giving, unlike a one-time donation.
Greater Deductions
Higher tax deductions than a private foundation.
5-Year Carryforward
Unused deductions can be carried forward up to five years.
Add Anytime
Make additional contributions whenever you like.
Lower Costs
Lower start-up and operating costs than a private foundation.
No Annual Payout
No annual distribution requirements, unlike a private foundation.
Advisory Status
You recommend which charities receive grants from your fund.
Give Anonymously
Choose to make any grant anonymously.
Name Advisors
Name additional advisors to recommend grants.
Due Diligence Handled
We verify that every grantee is tax-exempt, as required by law.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about recommending grants from your donor-advised fund.
Donor Story
Why Northern Kentucky Families Give Through Horizon
We chose Horizon for our family’s donor advised fund, because it is an accessible, Kentucky-focused organization. We are able to direct funds to local nonprofits of our choosing, many times introducing them to Horizon and helping those organizations reach a broader charitable audience locally. In turn, Horizon comes to us with opportunities to support other local charitable causes. It has been especially meaningful to bring our children into decisions about where to direct support.
Ready to Get Started?
Start Your Donor-Advised Fund in Northern Kentucky
Talk with our philanthropy team — on your own or with your financial advisor — to open your fund and start supporting the causes you love. Contact Nancy Grayson at ngrayson@horizoncfnky.org or 859.757.1552.
