Supporting Animals through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
October 9th marks National Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) Day—a moment to recognize the growing role DAFs play in philanthropy. With an estimated $251.52 billion in charitable assets held in DAFs in 2023, they now represent nearly 17% of the assets held in private foundations (2024 DAF Report).
As DAFs continue to gain traction, many donors are exploring how to align their giving with causes they care about most. Whether you're already using a DAF or considering one as part of your philanthropic strategy, National DAF Day is a great opportunity to reflect on how your giving can help improve the lives of animals across Colorado and beyond.
Why Consider Giving to Animals via Your DAF?
Animal welfare is a high-need, low-saturation space. Despite the enormous demand—Colorado’s 361 licensed shelters and rescues took in over 176,000 animals in 2024—animal-related causes receive less than 4% of all philanthropic giving (Giving USA). Unlike in other sectors, your DAF distributions can be truly transformative to animals in Colorado.
Even modest grants can be catalytic. They help shelters and rescues meet growing demand, take in pets facing cruelty and neglect, provide veterinary care, address behavioral challenges, and support pet owners facing the rising cost of housing and pet care. These issues aren’t just about animals—they’re also tied to community health and public safety.
When pets are cared for, people also benefit: reduced stress, improved mental health, and fewer barriers to stable housing. Communities see lower animal control costs and safer public spaces. Supporting animal welfare is a win-win.
Distributions From Your DAF Can:
Help pets find forever homes with families in Colorado
Support rural Colorado shelters so they can serve animals in their community
Provide critical care for pets in cruelty and neglect cases
Subsidize community veterinary clinics providing care to beloved pets in need
Ensure pets in Colorado get the spay/neuter surgeries so vital to controlling pet populations
Where Should You Give?
If you are considering an estate gift, direct donation, or donor-advised fund distribution to a Colorado animal welfare organization, but are uncertain where to begin, the Animal Assistance Foundation is available to assist.
With more than 50 years of experience in grantmaking and relationship building within Colorado’s animal welfare community, the Foundation understands where needs are greatest and the transformative projects where visionary generosity can transform lives. Please get in touch with us for tailored recommendations aligned with your location and interests.
Make your DAF count—for animals, for communities, and for a more compassionate Colorado.