Learn More

A New Way to Give:

The Northeastern University Donor Advised Fund

In 2019, Northeastern University launched its own donor advised fund in partnership with BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund to provide our donors with a tax efficient way to manage their charitable support for Northeastern and other charities that are important to them.

A donor advised fund is often described as a charitable savings account: Donors make tax-deductible contributions to their fund as frequently as they like, and retain the right to advise when and to which charities grants from their fund will be made.

Recognizing that our donors often support multiple charities, our donor advised fund is structured specifically to provide support for Northeastern and other qualified nonprofit organizations.

Donors may also see their contributions to the fund grow tax free, allowing for even greater charitable support for the causes or initiatives that are important to them.

Next Steps

  • Download our Northeastern University Donor Advised Fund Summary Sheet.
  • Visit our Northeastern University Donor Advised Fund webpage.
  • Contact the Office of Gift Planning at 617.373.2030 or [email protected] for an informal conversation to see whether the donor advised fund is a good fit for you and your family.
  • Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  • To include Northeastern as a beneficiary to another donor advised fund, please use our legal name and federal tax ID. Then let us know of your plans so we may welcome you to the Frank Palmer Speare Society.

    • Legal name:
      Northeastern University
      Legal address:
      716 Columbus Avenue, 402 CP
      Boston, MA 02120

    • Federal ID (EIN) Number:
    • 04-1679980

    The Northeastern Donor Advised Fund (NU DAF) is a great way to engage your whole family in philanthropy.

    Whether you already have a Donor Advised Fund or create one at Northeastern, naming us as a beneficiary entitles you to membership in the Frank Palmer Speare Society.

    GIVE

    GROW

    GRANT

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How does the Northeastern Donor Advised Fund work?

    A: You make an initial, tax-deductible gift of $25,000 or more to initiate the fund.

    • All contributions are automatically split into two sub-funds: one dedicated for gifts to Northeastern, and one for all other charitable organizations you may choose to support.
    • Grants from either sub-fund can be made at your convenience, or on a recurring basis.
    Q: How much of a tax deduction will I receive?

    A: When you donate to your Northeastern University Donor Advised Fund, you can take the same tax deductions as donating to any public charity.

    • Gifts of cash are generally eligible for an income tax deduction up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
    • Gifts of long-term appreciated assets, such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds held for more than one year, offer an opportunity to further maximize your deduction. Generally, you will not pay capital gains, and you can take an income tax deduction in the amount of the full fair-market value, up to 30% of your AGI.
    Q: What type of assets can I donate to the Donor Advised Fund?

    A: In addition to gifts of cash and securities (including mutual funds), the Northeastern University Donor Advised Fund can accept complex assets such as private equity funds, partnership interests, privately held shares, art, and real estate.*

    *For contributions of complex or non-publicly traded assets, fair market value is generally determined by a qualified appraiser in compliance with IRS regulations.

      Q: How is my donation invested?

      A: The assets in your fund grow tax-free, with ten investment options to choose from. You may also change investment options annually. Potentially, your donations can grow, allowing even more resources for the charities that are important to you.

        Q: Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

        A: After your initial contribution, no minimum balance is required.