Blog

Where you open a donor-advised fund matters

August 9, 2025

By Megan Pierce, Donor Services Director

Why donor-advised funds at your community foundation offer something special

aerial view of La Crosse County, WIDonor-advised funds (DAFs) have taken off in recent years — and for good reason. They’re flexible, tax-smart, and easy to use, making them a great option for individuals and families who want to make a meaningful impact.

A neat way to think about a DAF is as a charitable checking account — you get the tax benefit of a donation now, but can decide where to direct your gifts later, at your convenience.

But where you open a DAF matters.

While commercial DAF providers like big financial firms offer sleek platforms and quick clicks, a donor-advised fund through your local community foundation offers something more: connection, community, and real human support.

Here’s what makes DAFs at La Crosse Area Community Foundation different — and why so many people in our region choose to give this way.

Real people, ready to help

When you open a DAF at LACF, you’re not navigating it alone. We’re right here to help you:

  • Talk through what matters most to you
  • Learn about local needs and opportunities
  • Give in ways that reflect your values and goals

And if you ever have a question, you can just call or stop by — no 1-800 numbers, no chatbots.

Giving that stays rooted in La Crosse — and beyond

We live here, work here, and care deeply about this community — just like you. That means:

  • We understand the challenges our region is facing
  • We’re connected with the nonprofits doing important work
  • We can help your giving go further, right where it matters most

While most LACF DAFs support causes in the La Crosse area, your fund can also support nonprofits across the country — and even internationally. Your giving can be as local or far-reaching as your passions.

Giving with impact

A DAF isn’t just a place to park your dollars — it’s a tool to fuel your generosity.

With a DAF at LACF, you get:

  • Help shaping your giving plan, whether it’s focused on kids, housing, the arts, or something else close to your heart
  • Insights into high-impact local nonprofits
  • Opportunities to collaborate with other donors and make a bigger difference together

We’re nonprofit too

Your fees don’t go to shareholders — they go back into the community. As a nonprofit ourselves, our mission is simple: to help people like you support the causes and communities you care about.

We’re not here to sell investment products. We’re here to champion generosity.

Guidance without the guesswork

Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about your legacy, we’re here to walk with you. Giving is personal — and it should feel that way. With us, it does.

Want to learn more about starting a DAF with LACF? We’d love to hear what matters to you — and help you make your giving as meaningful and local as it can be. To get started, call Megan Pierce at (608) 782-3223 extension 26 or Sherry Beames at extension 21.