Sean Ryan ’85, P’23 has been using a DAF to make gifts to Bates for several years. He noted, “When our financial advisor suggested we consider establishing a donor-advised fund it took us a moment to understand all the benefits. Ours was easy to establish. It’s also very simple to maintain and allows us to donate to charities of our choosing, like Bates.”

Did you know that there is more than one way that your donor-advised fund can work to support charitable organizations like Bates?

One creative option to continue your generous support is to name Bates as a beneficiary of the fund, ensuring that the remainder of your fund is distributed according to your wishes. This is an easy process to set up with your fund administrator. You can choose beneficiaries for all or a percentage of your fund; either option will result in support for Bates students for years to come. If you choose to designate Bates as a beneficiary, please let us know so that we can express our gratitude. You will be welcomed into the Phillips Society, which recognizes alumni, parents, and friends of the college who make philanthropic contributions through a planned gift. 

Other giving strategies that can help you make the most of your fund include donating complex assets such as real estate, tangible personal property, and closely held business interests. You can also simplify your giving even further by recommending recurring grants to Bates on an ongoing monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis.