October 06, 2026
At the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), philanthropy is about more than making a gift. It is about connecting generosity with community knowledge and opportunities to strengthen Washtenaw County today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
That approach reflects AAACF’s mission to improve economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County and the intentional, community-centered work behind our S.E.E.D.S. initiative.
In recognition of DAF Day on October 8, Karen Shellie, AAACF Director of Philanthropy, shares her perspective on how donor-advised funds can help individuals and families put their values into action, engage the next generation, and create lasting community impact.
When Charitable Giving Becomes More Than Writing A Check
For many donors, a donor-advised fund (DAF) has become a way to pause, think strategically, and connect their generosity to the issues and communities they care about most.
At AAACF, we see this evolving every day. DAFs are not simply a way to make charitable gifts; they can also support purposeful giving, family conversations, and lasting community impact.
In times of greatest need, we have seen DAF holders support the community in unexpected ways. Donors focused on the arts have also given to community centers and food banks, while conservation-minded donors have supported housing initiatives.
At AAACF, our Philanthropic Advisors bring together three important perspectives in conversations around donor-advised funds: donors, community nonprofits, and professional advisors.
A Donor’s Perspective: “What Difference Do I Want To Make?”
Philanthropic Advisors increasingly assist donors in thinking beyond how much they want to give. They are asking, “What do you want your giving to accomplish?”
A DAF can give donors the flexibility to develop a Charitable Giving Plan - a strategy that can respond to emerging community needs, involve children and grandchildren, and support organizations they believe are making a difference.
It creates space to be intentional about generosity.
A Nonprofit’s Perspective: “Help Us Show You The Impact.”
For nonprofits, DAFs represent both an opportunity and a shift in fundraising.
The grant is important - but the relationship behind the grant matters, too. Donors want to know that their generosity is making a difference. Nonprofits have an opportunity to bring donors closer to their mission, share meaningful stories, and demonstrate impact.
The strongest philanthropic relationships are built on trust, communication, and shared purpose.
A Professional Advisor’s Perspective: “Charitable Giving Belongs In The Conversation.”
Philanthropy is increasingly becoming part of conversations about wealth, estate planning, business transitions, and legacy.
For professional advisors, asking clients about their charitable goals can open an important conversation: “What do you want your wealth to accomplish?”
A DAF may be one piece of a larger strategy that helps clients align their financial resources with the values they want to carry forward.
Where Does The Community Foundation Fit?
This is where a community foundation can make a difference.
At AAACF, Philanthropic Advisors assist donors in creating a Charitable Giving Plan that connects their giving with the needs and opportunities in Washtenaw County. We bring local knowledge, philanthropic expertise, and community relationships to the table while helping donors create strategies that reflect what matters most to them.
DAFs are also a tool for modeling philanthropy for the next generation. More families are creating Family DAFs, and our Philanthropic Advisors can meet with families and provide exercises designed to help family members better understand each person’s interests in giving.
I have had the benefit of working with a family that holds an annual meeting where every family member age 10 and older can nominate a nonprofit for a grant. Each person presents the reason for their nomination, and then everyone votes. The five nonprofit organizations receiving the most votes are funded.
In many situations, older family members are impressed to discover just how closely their charitable interests align across generations.
Making Charitable Dollars Matter
The future of DAFs isn't simply about having more charitable dollars. It's about making those dollars matter.
When donors bring their generosity, nonprofits bring their expertise, and professional advisors bring their financial knowledge, we have an opportunity to create something bigger than any one gift: a stronger community, today and for generations to come.
Turning Purpose Into Lasting Impact
Intentional philanthropy is at the heart of AAACF’s work and our S.E.E.D.S. initiative - bringing people, resources, and local knowledge together to strengthen the future of Washtenaw County.
Interested in exploring how a donor-advised fund or Charitable Giving Plan could support your philanthropic goals? Connect with Karen Shellie, Director of Philanthropy, to start a conversation about giving through AAACF, or explore AAACF’s Fund Directory to discover opportunities to support the causes and communities that matter to you.