FAQs
Welcome to the FAQ page of Project Wellspring, your resource for understanding our Donor Advised Fund. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about how our fund, the benefits of donor advised funds and how you can make a meaningful impact through your contributions. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Q: Why choose a Donor‑Advised Fund instead of a private foundation?
A: A Wellspring DAF combines maximum impact with minimal friction:
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Lower start‑up & admin costs – No Form 990‑PF filings, separate board meetings, or legal overhead.
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Superior tax benefits – Deduct cash gifts up to 60% of AGI and appreciated securities up to 30% (vs. 30% and 20% for foundations).
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Anonymity & flexibility – Recommend grants privately, adjust timing easily, and even convert an existing foundation into a DAF to simplify management.
A Wellspring donor advised fund can both supplement or replace a private foundation
Q: Can I recommend grants to any nonprofit—and do more than just give?
A: Yes—your Wellspring Fund can support any IRS‑recognized 501(c)(3), and we can pre‑qualify and vet organizations to streamline your due diligence. Unlike most DAF platforms, Wellspring also lets you deploy a portion of your fund into mission‑aligned impact investments—venture, private equity, real estate, CDFIs, and more—so your capital works harder across grants and investments.
Q: How long does it take to open my donor advised fund?
A: After a discovery call with a member of our team to understand your needs and goals, the process is quite simple. Simply submit your paperwork and within 24-48 hours, your fund is open and ready to be funded.
Q: How quickly can my assets be deployed?
A: Liquid gifts can be ready for grantmaking or investment within days; timelines for illiquid assets vary.
Q: What level of support do I receive?
A: A dedicated Wellspring advisor guides you through Fund setup, diligence, structuring, and ongoing stewardship—including impact reporting and strategy reviews.
Our proprietary Impact Genesis Process is the bespoke onboarding experience for donors joining Project Wellspring. Thoughtfully designed to reflect the values of intentionality, discretion, and transformative impact, this process is more than a welcome—it's the beginning of a relationship grounded in trust, clarity, and purpose.
From the moment you begin, our dedicated team provides a high-touch, confidential experience tailored to your values, vision, and goals. We listen deeply, ask meaningful questions, and use our Impact Journey Framework to uncover the motivations behind your giving. Together, we’ll chart a stewardship path that evolves with you—rooted in your legacy, and responsive to the world you wish to shape.