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Alternative Assets in Donor Advised Funds

Natalie Leniski avatar
Written by Natalie Leniski
Updated over 10 months ago
  1. What are alternative assets, and why might they belong in a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?
    Alternative assets include investments like private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, and private debt. These can be advantageous in a DAF because they offer high growth potential and are not correlated with public markets.

  2. What benefits do alternative assets offer in a DAF?

    • High growth not tied to public markets.

    • Diversification benefits, offering an additional premium.

    • A steady return on capital over time, especially from private investments locked away for extended periods.

  3. Are there any risks or considerations to keep in mind with alternative assets in a DAF?
    Yes, it’s crucial to maintain liquidity to meet obligations such as:

    • Administrative fees.

    • Capital calls.

    • Charitable grants.
      Without adequate liquidity, these obligations may become challenging to fulfill.

  4. What are the tax advantages associated with alternative assets in a DAF?
    Alternative assets can provide significant tax advantages. For detailed guidance, consult your client or the complex assets team.

  5. Who should consider alternative assets in a DAF?
    Clients looking for growth, diversification, and steady returns over time while leveraging tax advantages may find alternative assets a good fit for their DAF.


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