Closer to Home: How to Transfer Your Donor-Advised Fund to Midlands Community Foundation

At Midlands Community Foundation (MCF), we partner with donors from all walks of life who are passionate about supporting the charities and causes that matter most to them. Many of the individuals and families we meet have already begun their philanthropic journey by opening a donor-advised fund with a national charitable sponsor or commercial financial provider.

As time goes on, however, many donors realize they’re looking for something more personal. They want greater insight into local needs, stronger connections with nonprofits serving their community, opportunities to engage family members in charitable decisions, and guidance from professionals who know the region firsthand. For many, transferring a donor-advised fund from a national sponsor or commercial provider to MCF is a logical next step.

The process is often much simpler than people expect. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it works.

Step 1: Connect with Midlands Community Foundation

The first step is simply reaching out to MCF. Our team will take the time to learn about your charitable interests, answer your questions, and explain how a donor-advised fund with MCF can help you accomplish your philanthropic goals.

Many donors are pleased to discover that, in addition to the flexibility and convenience of a donor-advised fund, MCF offers local expertise, personalized philanthropic guidance, and a lasting commitment to strengthening the communities we serve.

Step 2: Design a Fund That Reflects Your Vision

Creating a fund that represents your family’s charitable values is one of the most meaningful parts of the process. You’ll have the opportunity to choose a name—such as the Smith Family Fund or Smith Family Foundation—appoint fund advisors, and discuss ways to involve future generations in your giving.

Many families use this opportunity to establish a lasting tradition of philanthropy, with support and guidance from MCF’s experienced team.

Step 3: Open Your New Donor-Advised Fund

MCF will prepare a straightforward fund agreement outlining how your donor-advised fund will operate and who will have the authority to recommend grants to eligible nonprofit organizations.

The process is designed to be simple, and our staff will be available to walk you through each step from beginning to end.

Step 4: Request the Transfer from Your Existing Donor-Advised Fund

After your new fund has been established with MCF, you’ll contact your current donor-advised fund provider and recommend a grant to MCF for the benefit of your newly created fund.

In many cases, this request can be submitted online in just a few minutes.

Step 5: Verify the Information

To help ensure everything is processed smoothly, use the exact name of your new fund and follow any transfer instructions provided by MCF.

If questions come up during the process, our team is happy to coordinate with you and help ensure the transfer goes as planned.

Step 6: Determine the Amount You’d Like to Transfer

Some donors choose to move the full balance of their existing donor-advised fund in a single transaction, while others prefer to transfer only a portion initially and move additional assets over time.

There’s no universal approach—the right choice depends on your charitable objectives, giving strategy, and personal preferences. Some donors even maintain a donor-advised fund with a commercial provider while also establishing a separate, locally focused charitable fund with MCF.

Step 7: Begin Making an Impact Close to Home

Once the transfer is complete, you can begin recommending grants through your donor-advised fund at MCF.

Our team is always available to serve as a resource as you explore giving opportunities. Whether you already support favorite local nonprofits or want to learn about additional organizations making a difference in the region, we’re here to help connect your charitable goals with community needs.

Many donors find that this closer relationship with local organizations—and with advisors who understand the community—becomes one of the most valuable aspects of their philanthropic experience.

A donor-advised fund is an excellent way to organize and simplify your charitable giving. By moving your fund to MCF, you gain more than a charitable vehicle; you gain a trusted local partner dedicated to helping you create meaningful, lasting impact where it matters most. In addition, the administrative fees associated with your fund stay local, supporting MCF’s work to strengthen Cass and Sarpy counties through grantmaking, nonprofit support, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life throughout our communities.

If you’re considering whether transferring your donor-advised fund is the right move, the team at MCF would welcome the opportunity to talk with you and help you explore your options.