about AEF Donor Advised Funds

Who we serve:
Individuals and Families
Professional Advisors
Financial Institutions

About AEF Donor Advised Funds:
Success Stories
Donor Benefits
Tax Benefits
Grantmaking Basics
Why a DAF
How a Fund Works
What to Give
Investment Options
Social Investing
Privacy
Grant-making
Solutions

Strategies:
Enhancing CRTs
Terminating CRTs
Program Related Investments
Bequests
Private Foundation
Private Foundation Comparison

In the News
Philanthropy 101
Charity Navigator
Research a Charity
FAQ
Testimonials

About AEF

American Endowment Foundation (AEF) is an IRS-recognized, 501(c)(3) public charity serving a national constituency.

Our sole business is Donor Advised Fund administration. This involves compliance monitoring, state and federal filings, charity review, and grant disbursements - all in accordance with IRS guidelines.

Our Founding Principles

Independence

AEF is not affiliated with financial institutions.

AEF accrues no benefit from brokerage services, commissions, finder fees, or product sales.

AEF does not sell financial products or service.

Flexibility
AEF offers flexible options in the types of assets donors can contribute, investments donors can recommend, and the range of charities that donors can support.

Phil Tobin
Chairman

Efficiency
AEF maximizes funds available for grantmaking by minimizing fees and expenses.

Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, has awarded AEF its highest rating for the eighth consecutive year. According to their report, AEF “…demonstrated exceptional financial management, outperforming most of its peers in its efforts to allocate and grow its finances in the most responsible way possible.”

Permanence
AEF encourages donor family involvement over successive generations.

Our Vision

A trusted leader: Promoting the highest values, principals, and practices to ensure accountability, objectivity and effectiveness in philanthropy.
A valued resource: Supporting learning, open dialogue, and information exchange about Donor Advised Funds and philanthropy.
A respectful partner: Collaborating with a network of donors, professional advisors and other organizations to promote responsible and effective philanthropy.

AEF Today
We are pleased to report that AEF celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013.

In 2012, AEF accepted $114 million in new contributions to Donor Advised Funds.
Total assets in AEF Donor Advised Funds now exceed $300 million.
Donors recommended $45 million in grants in 2012.

Call us at 1-888-440-4233 or click here to email