Giving in a Crisis: How Donor-Advised Funds Empower Quick, Impactful Relief

Quick giving doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how DAFs make it possible.

When disaster strikes—whether it’s flooding in Texas, wildfires in California, or a humanitarian crisis abroad—many people feel an urgent desire to help. But for donors who want to make a meaningful, strategic gift, it’s not always clear how to respond quickly.

 

Where should the funds come from? Which assets should be used? What about the tax implications?

 

These are real questions—and in the time it takes to answer them, the moment to act can pass. That’s where donor-advised funds (DAFs) come in.

 

DAFs: A Giving Tool That’s Ready Before the Crisis Hits

 

A DAF is like a philanthropic emergency fund—ready when your heart says go. Because contributions are made in advance, the charitable, tax, and financial logistics are already taken care of. When a disaster happens, donors don’t have to worry about liquidating assets or waiting on paperwork. Instead, they can immediately recommend a grant to a qualified nonprofit on the front lines of the response.

 

In July 2024, for example, a GiveClear donor sent $50,000 to Young Life in Helotes, Texas, just days after the region was affected by severe flooding. The grant was in motion within a week—because the donor was ready, and the tools were already in place.

 

DAFs Make a Measurable Difference in Crises

 

Over the past decade, donor-advised funds have consistently enabled quick, meaningful relief during times of crisis—from natural disasters to global health emergencies.

 

• During the COVID‑19 pandemic, DAF grants rose 29.8% by dollar value and 37.4% by number of grants in just the first half of 2020 compared to 2019. Even in a time of global uncertainty, DAF donors were able to respond with speed and confidence ( National Philanthropic Trust ).
• In 2023, DAF grants totaled $54.77 billion—nearly 48% of what private foundations awarded that year—proving their long-term value and consistency even when overall giving slows ( NonProfit PRO ).
• By 2024, donors had granted more than $175 million for disaster relief alone, helping frontline organizations respond to hurricanes, wildfires, and humanitarian emergencies. Many of these grants were unrestricted, giving nonprofits the flexibility to direct funds where they were needed most ( DAF Giving 360 ).

 

This track record makes it clear—DAFs are not just convenient giving tools. They’re a ready source of impact when urgency matters.

 

More Than Speed: Confidence, Simplicity, and Strategy

 

Beyond fast response, DAFs offer donors:

• Flexibility to support both immediate relief and long-term recovery
• Tax-smart giving by contributing appreciated assets or "bunching" donations
• Simplicity—one centralized place to track, manage, and distribute grants
• Transparency into where funds are going and the impact they’re making

 

At GiveClear, we streamline the process even further with a digital-first platform, minimal fees, and full visibility into every dollar granted.

 

A Tool for Advisors, Too

 

For financial advisors, DAFs aren’t just philanthropic tools—they’re relationship builders. Helping a client prepare to give in times of crisis is a powerful way to align generosity with long-term planning.

Whether it’s tax strategy, estate planning, or liquidity timing, DAFs allow clients to be ready for the causes they care about without compromising their broader financial picture.

 

Be Ready to Make a Difference

Crises are unpredictable. Your giving doesn’t have to be.

With a GiveClear DAF, you can respond with speed, purpose, and clarity—when it matters most.

Learn more about setting up a donor-advised fund at giveclear.org