Donor-advised funds (DAFs) allow donors to make a tax-deductible contribution to a qualified public charity and then distribute grants over time. National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), among the nation’s leading independent DAF sponsors, offers a digital portal—GivingPoint—supports numerous asset types (from cash to crypto and real estate), and provides features to engage family members or advisors in philanthropy. Below is a detailed, current guide to opening and maintaining a DAF with NPT. Snapshot: Core Details Minimum opening contribution for an NPT U.S. DAF: $10,000. Accepted assets include cash, publicly traded securities, closely held shares, real estate, cryptocurrency, and other non-cash gifts (subject to review). Online management via GivingPoint: registration, account setup, contributions, grant recommendations, and advisor invitations. Common minimum grant amount: guidance around $250, based on NPT donor materials. Part 1 — Preparation: What to Decide and Gather Identify the donor(s) and designate advisor(s) or successor advisors. NPT permits multiple advisors, though minors generally cannot serve until turning 18. Select a fund name—this may reflect the purpose of the fund or support full anonymity. Collect required personal or entity information: legal names, birth dates or tax IDs, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for GivingPoint registration. Business or trust accounts should have governing documents and signer details available. Consult a tax professional regarding timing and implications of donating appreciated securities, crypto, or real estate. Many donors select appreciated assets to maximize tax benefits and avoid capital gains. Part 2 — Opening the DAF 1. Create a GivingPoint Account Go to NPT’s GivingPoint portal and choose “Register as a New User.” Set login credentials and verify identity. This portal will serve as your hub for fund management. 2. Complete the Donor Application Once registered, submit the online donor application to establish your new DAF. Some donors may complete this through an advisor or over the phone. 3. Provide the Initial Funding (minimum $10,000) Contribute cash, securities, or other approved assets. NPT’s contribution instructions outline asset-specific transfer steps. Non-cash gifts typically require review and additional processing. Once received, the fund becomes active. 4. Establish an Investment Approach Choose from NPT’s investment pools or, for larger funds (subject to thresholds), explore custom investment arrangements. You can also appoint advisors to help manage investments. 5. Receive Fund Access When NPT finishes processing the application and accepts the initial contribution, you will gain access to the GivingPoint dashboard, which displays contributions, balances, and grants. Part 3 — Managing the Fund A. Adding More Contributions You may contribute at any time and in any amount (though certain assets or international affiliates may impose minimums). Use GivingPoint or coordinate directly with NPT for complex assets. B. Recommending Grants Submit grant recommendations through GivingPoint. NPT reviews all requests to confirm charitable eligibility, including special steps for international organizations. Processing times vary, and the portal includes instructional guides. C. Engaging Family or Advisors Add advisors or successor advisors to include family members in giving decisions and succession planning. D. Investment Oversight Reallocate among approved investment pools or request custom planning for larger accounts. Investment returns may expand grantmaking potential, though market fluctuations apply. Custom investment options typically begin around $500,000+ or the level noted by NPT. E. Records & Tax Documentation NPT provides annual statements and contribution receipts. Keep confirmations for tax reporting and personal records. Part 4 — Fees, Minimums & Special Considerations Fees: NPT applies administrative and investment-management fees that vary based on account size, asset types, and investment selections. Review the donor materials or request the applicable fee schedule. Minimum Grants: NPT’s guidance often references a baseline grant size of around $250, though you should check your fund’s specific terms. International Options: NPT’s UK and Transatlantic affiliates follow different minimums and tax regulations; for example, NPT UK has higher starting requirements. International or dual taxpayers should consult relevant advisors. Part 5 — Helpful Tips & FAQs If donating real estate, private equity, or crypto, alert NPT early to ensure proper processing. Complex assets often require documentation and additional time. For family involvement, consider advisory committees, successor designations, and a family giving framework. NPT’s philanthropic services can help develop these plans. For tax-year planning, contribute before year-end if you need a deduction for that year. Confirm the official gift date with NPT and consult your tax professional. GivingPoint offers FAQs, instructions, and tutorials to assist with contributions, grants, and account updates. Quick Checklist Register at nptgivingpoint.org Complete the Donor Application Make the initial $10,000 contribution Set investments and assign advisors Recommend grants through GivingPoint Where to Get Direct Support GivingPoint portal: forms, tutorials, and account tools NPT donor documents: donor guides, contribution instructions NPT Philanthropic Services: support for large or complex gifts Final Notes All details above reflect information drawn from NPT’s current donor materials, including minimum contributions, GivingPoint procedures, and accepted asset types. Policies, fees, and procedures may change, especially for NPT UK and NPT Transatlantic programs. Confirm details directly with NPT before completing significant transactions.

Starting an NPT Donor-Advised Fund: Complete Guide to Account Setup and Management

by

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) allow donors to make a tax-deductible contribution to a qualified public charity and then distribute grants over time. National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), among the nation’s leading independent DAF sponsors, offers a digital portal—GivingPoint—supports numerous asset types (from cash to crypto and real estate), and provides features to engage family members or advisors in philanthropy.

Below is a detailed, current guide to opening and maintaining a DAF with NPT.

Snapshot: Core Details

  • Minimum opening contribution for an NPT U.S. DAF: $10,000.
  • Accepted assets include cash, publicly traded securities, closely held shares, real estate, cryptocurrency, and other non-cash gifts (subject to review).
  • Online management via GivingPoint: registration, account setup, contributions, grant recommendations, and advisor invitations.
  • Common minimum grant amount: guidance around $250, based on NPT donor materials.

Part 1 — Preparation: What to Decide and Gather

Identify the donor(s) and designate advisor(s) or successor advisors. NPT permits multiple advisors, though minors generally cannot serve until turning 18.

Select a fund name—this may reflect the purpose of the fund or support full anonymity.

Collect required personal or entity information: legal names, birth dates or tax IDs, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for GivingPoint registration. Business or trust accounts should have governing documents and signer details available.

Consult a tax professional regarding timing and implications of donating appreciated securities, crypto, or real estate. Many donors select appreciated assets to maximize tax benefits and avoid capital gains.

Part 2 — Opening the DAF

1. Create a GivingPoint Account

Go to NPT’s GivingPoint portal and choose “Register as a New User.” Set login credentials and verify identity. This portal will serve as your hub for fund management.

2. Complete the Donor Application

Once registered, submit the online donor application to establish your new DAF. Some donors may complete this through an advisor or over the phone.

3. Provide the Initial Funding (minimum $10,000)

Contribute cash, securities, or other approved assets. NPT’s contribution instructions outline asset-specific transfer steps. Non-cash gifts typically require review and additional processing. Once received, the fund becomes active.

4. Establish an Investment Approach

Choose from NPT’s investment pools or, for larger funds (subject to thresholds), explore custom investment arrangements. You can also appoint advisors to help manage investments.

5. Receive Fund Access

When NPT finishes processing the application and accepts the initial contribution, you will gain access to the GivingPoint dashboard, which displays contributions, balances, and grants.

Part 3 — Managing the Fund

A. Adding More Contributions

You may contribute at any time and in any amount (though certain assets or international affiliates may impose minimums). Use GivingPoint or coordinate directly with NPT for complex assets.

B. Recommending Grants

Submit grant recommendations through GivingPoint. NPT reviews all requests to confirm charitable eligibility, including special steps for international organizations. Processing times vary, and the portal includes instructional guides.

C. Engaging Family or Advisors

Add advisors or successor advisors to include family members in giving decisions and succession planning.

D. Investment Oversight

Reallocate among approved investment pools or request custom planning for larger accounts. Investment returns may expand grantmaking potential, though market fluctuations apply. Custom investment options typically begin around $500,000+ or the level noted by NPT.

E. Records & Tax Documentation

NPT provides annual statements and contribution receipts. Keep confirmations for tax reporting and personal records.

Part 4 — Fees, Minimums & Special Considerations

  • Fees: NPT applies administrative and investment-management fees that vary based on account size, asset types, and investment selections. Review the donor materials or request the applicable fee schedule.
  • Minimum Grants: NPT’s guidance often references a baseline grant size of around $250, though you should check your fund’s specific terms.
  • International Options: NPT’s UK and Transatlantic affiliates follow different minimums and tax regulations; for example, NPT UK has higher starting requirements. International or dual taxpayers should consult relevant advisors.

Part 5 — Helpful Tips & FAQs

If donating real estate, private equity, or crypto, alert NPT early to ensure proper processing. Complex assets often require documentation and additional time.

For family involvement, consider advisory committees, successor designations, and a family giving framework. NPT’s philanthropic services can help develop these plans.

For tax-year planning, contribute before year-end if you need a deduction for that year. Confirm the official gift date with NPT and consult your tax professional.

GivingPoint offers FAQs, instructions, and tutorials to assist with contributions, grants, and account updates.

Quick Checklist

  • Register at nptgivingpoint.org
  • Complete the Donor Application
  • Make the initial $10,000 contribution
  • Set investments and assign advisors
  • Recommend grants through GivingPoint

Where to Get Direct Support

  • GivingPoint portal: forms, tutorials, and account tools
  • NPT donor documents: donor guides, contribution instructions
  • NPT Philanthropic Services: support for large or complex gifts

Final Notes

All details above reflect information drawn from NPT’s current donor materials, including minimum contributions, Giving Point procedures, and accepted asset types. Policies, fees, and procedures may change, especially for NPT UK and NPT Transatlantic programs. Confirm details directly with NPT before completing significant transactions.

Leave a Comment