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I apologize if this has been addressed before. I have looked through the history of the archive and cannot find it. I have a question about sending acknowledgement letters from donor-advised funds to the donor who directed the fund. We give the hard credit to the DAFD and give soft credit to the donor. What I am asking about is the acknowledgement letter to the donor. I found this on the internet and I want to make sure that this source is reliable. Below is the wording that is suggested by a website called Little Green Light. I have read that you should not put the amount in the letter and I have read that you should put it in the letter to show good stewardship. Is there a right or wrong way? I can't find this specific question on the IRS website. I know you cannot say thank you for the gift, but is it is okay to say we appreciate them for directing a gift to the organization as is written below? Suggestion from Little Green Light: You do not need to send a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter to the donor-advised fund itself. It is important, however, that you express your gratitude to the person who recommended the grant. You can create a letter template that’s specifically used for this purpose. Keep the following in mind: Do express your appreciation of the grant made through the donor-advised fund. This letter is your opportunity to thank and steward the person who recommended the grant. Do not include tax deductible language—the supporter received a tax deduction when they put the money into the donor-advised fund. Here’s a quick example: Thank you for recommending that we receive a generous grant of $1,000 through your donor-advised fund at XYZ Foundation. We have received the grant, and the funds will make a profound difference in the lives of homeless children in our community. Thank you again for caring so deeply about the mission of ABC Organization. We are grateful for your support. Thank you. Corie Pryor Coordinator of Operations Truman State University

Yup - good advice and sounds strangely familiar :-). John John H. Taylor Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting 2604 Sevier St. Durham, NC 27705 johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com 919.816.5903 (cell/text) Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 2:54 PM Corie Pryor <cpryor@truman.edu> wrote: > I apologize if this has been addressed before. I have looked through the > history of the archive and cannot find it. > > I have a question about sending acknowledgement letters from donor-advised > funds to the donor who directed the fund. We give the hard credit to the > DAFD and give soft credit to the donor. What I am asking about is the > acknowledgement letter to the donor. I found this on the internet and I > want to make sure that this source is reliable. Below is the wording that > is suggested by a website called Little Green Light. > > I have read that you should not put the amount in the letter and I have > read that you should put it in the letter to show good stewardship. Is > there a right or wrong way? I can't find this specific question on the IRS > website. I know you cannot say thank you for the gift, but is it is okay > to say we appreciate them for directing a gift to the organization as is > written below? > > Suggestion from Little Green Light: > You do not need to send a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter > to the donor-advised fund itself. It is important, however, that you express > your gratitude to the person who recommended the grant. You can > create a letter template that’s specifically used for this purpose. Keep > the > following in mind: > > Do express your appreciation of the grant made through the > donor-advised fund. This letter is your opportunity to thank and steward > the > person who recommended the grant. > > Do not include tax deductible language—the supporter received a > tax deduction when they put the money into the donor-advised fund. > Here’s a quick example: > > Thank you for recommending that we receive a generous grant of $1,000 > through your donor-advised fund at XYZ Foundation. We have received > the grant, and the funds will make a profound difference in the lives > of homeless children in our community. > > Thank you again for caring so deeply about the mission of ABC > Organization. We are grateful for your support. > > > Thank you. > > Corie Pryor > Coordinator of Operations > Truman State University >

I personally do not see a need to include the amount, but some donors will wonder if you received the right amount. So it is okay as long as you make it clear that the letter is not a receipt. The example language they offer does just that - points out that the actual gift was made by a DAF. John John H. Taylor Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting 2604 Sevier St. Durham, NC 27705 johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com 919.816.5903 (cell/text) Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 3:08 PM Pryor, Corie <cpryor@truman.edu> wrote: > So it is OKAY to put the amount of the gift in the letter and this will > not break any IRS rules? I think some people have advised us in the past > to not list the amount. I just want to make sure we are not breaking any > IRS rules by listing the amount since we are NOT telling them it is a gift > from them, just acknowledging that we received it from the DAFD. > > > > Thank you again! > > > > *Corie Pryor* > > Coordinator of Operations > > Advancement Office > > Truman State University > > Kirksville MO 63501 > > cpryor@truman.edu > > 660-785-4125 > > > > > > *This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential, > proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use > is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the > sender and delete this message from your system.* > > > > *From:* Advancement Services Discussion List [mailto: > FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG] *On Behalf Of *John Taylor > *Sent:* Tuesday, January 22, 2019 2:05 PM > *To:* FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG > *Subject:* Re: [FUNDSVCS] Donor Acknowledgement Letter when gift is from > donor-advised fund > > > > Yup - good advice and sounds strangely familiar :-). > > > > John > > > > John H. Taylor > > Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting > > 2604 Sevier St. > > Durham, NC 27705 > > johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com > > 919.816.5903 (cell/text) > > > > Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 > > > > > > On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 2:54 PM Corie Pryor <cpryor@truman.edu> wrote: > > I apologize if this has been addressed before. I have looked through the > history of the archive and cannot find it. > > I have a question about sending acknowledgement letters from donor-advised > funds to the donor who directed the fund. We give the hard credit to the > DAFD and give soft credit to the donor. What I am asking about is the > acknowledgement letter to the donor. I found this on the internet and I > want to make sure that this source is reliable. Below is the wording that > is suggested by a website called Little Green Light. > > I have read that you should not put the amount in the letter and I have > read that you should put it in the letter to show good stewardship. Is > there a right or wrong way? I can't find this specific question on the IRS > website. I know you cannot say thank you for the gift, but is it is okay > to say we appreciate them for directing a gift to the organization as is > written below? > > Suggestion from Little Green Light: > You do not need to send a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter > to the donor-advised fund itself. It is important, however, that you express > your gratitude to the person who recommended the grant. You can > create a letter template that’s specifically used for this purpose. Keep > the > following in mind: > > Do express your appreciation of the grant made through the > donor-advised fund. This letter is your opportunity to thank and steward > the > person who recommended the grant. > > Do not include tax deductible language—the supporter received a > tax deduction when they put the money into the donor-advised fund. > Here’s a quick example: > > Thank you for recommending that we receive a generous grant of $1,000 > through your donor-advised fund at XYZ Foundation. We have received > the grant, and the funds will make a profound difference in the lives > of homeless children in our community. > > Thank you again for caring so deeply about the mission of ABC > Organization. We are grateful for your support. > > > Thank you. > > Corie Pryor > Coordinator of Operations > Truman State University > >

Good afternoon, Corie - I would argue, though not vociferously, that it is better donor stewardship to include the amount if - as John noted - any such letter indicates the funds came via DAF [or private foundation] and that the letter doesn't include any of the "goods and services" language which could turn it into a receipt (not that donors should be getting any benefits associated with those transactions, anyway, but that is another discussion). I'm also a proponent of including the total mean value of stock contributions in those letters, as well, also for purposes of donor stewardship and most stock receipts I've seen pretty clearly note that the value noted is provided only for purposes of recognition. My added thoughts - fwiw... Good luck and best regards, Amy Director of Advancement Services, Gift Acceptance Division of University Advancement The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Avenue, E215 O'Connell Hall Washington, DC 20064 Phone: 202-319-6919 Email: phillipsajud@cua.edu On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 3:11 PM John Taylor <johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com> wrote: > I personally do not see a need to include the amount, but some donors will > wonder if you received the right amount. So it is okay as long as you make > it clear that the letter is not a receipt. The example language they offer > does just that - points out that the actual gift was made by a DAF. > > John > > John H. Taylor > Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting > 2604 Sevier St. > Durham, NC 27705 > johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com > 919.816.5903 (cell/text) > > Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 > > > On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 3:08 PM Pryor, Corie <cpryor@truman.edu> wrote: > >> So it is OKAY to put the amount of the gift in the letter and this will >> not break any IRS rules? I think some people have advised us in the past >> to not list the amount. I just want to make sure we are not breaking any >> IRS rules by listing the amount since we are NOT telling them it is a gift >> from them, just acknowledging that we received it from the DAFD. >> >> >> >> Thank you again! >> >> >> >> *Corie Pryor* >> >> Coordinator of Operations >> >> Advancement Office >> >> Truman State University >> >> Kirksville MO 63501 >> >> cpryor@truman.edu >> >> 660-785-4125 >> >> >> >> >> >> *This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential, >> proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use >> is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the >> sender and delete this message from your system.* >> >> >> >> *From:* Advancement Services Discussion List [mailto: >> FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG] *On Behalf Of *John Taylor >> *Sent:* Tuesday, January 22, 2019 2:05 PM >> *To:* FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG >> *Subject:* Re: [FUNDSVCS] Donor Acknowledgement Letter when gift is from >> donor-advised fund >> >> >> >> Yup - good advice and sounds strangely familiar :-). >> >> >> >> John >> >> >> >> John H. Taylor >> >> Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting >> >> 2604 Sevier St. >> >> Durham, NC 27705 >> >> johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com >> >> 919.816.5903 (cell/text) >> >> >> >> Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 >> >> >> >> >> >> On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 2:54 PM Corie Pryor <cpryor@truman.edu> wrote: >> >> I apologize if this has been addressed before. I have looked through the >> history of the archive and cannot find it. >> >> I have a question about sending acknowledgement letters from >> donor-advised funds to the donor who directed the fund. We give the hard >> credit to the DAFD and give soft credit to the donor. What I am asking >> about is the acknowledgement letter to the donor. I found this on the >> internet and I want to make sure that this source is reliable. Below is >> the wording that is suggested by a website called Little Green Light. >> >> I have read that you should not put the amount in the letter and I have >> read that you should put it in the letter to show good stewardship. Is >> there a right or wrong way? I can't find this specific question on the IRS >> website. I know you cannot say thank you for the gift, but is it is okay >> to say we appreciate them for directing a gift to the organization as is >> written below? >> >> Suggestion from Little Green Light: >> You do not need to send a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter >> to the donor-advised fund itself. It is important, however, that you express >> your gratitude to the person who recommended the grant. You >> can create a letter template that’s specifically used for this purpose. >> Keep the >> following in mind: >> >> Do express your appreciation of the grant made through the >> donor-advised fund. This letter is your opportunity to thank and steward >> the >> person who recommended the grant. >> >> Do not include tax deductible language—the supporter received >> a tax deduction when they put the money into the donor-advised fund. >> Here’s a quick example: >> >> Thank you for recommending that we receive a generous grant of $1,000 >> through your donor-advised fund at XYZ Foundation. We have received >> the grant, and the funds will make a profound difference in the lives >> of homeless children in our community. >> >> Thank you again for caring so deeply about the mission of ABC >> Organization. We are grateful for your support. >> >> >> Thank you. >> >> Corie Pryor >> Coordinator of Operations >> Truman State University >> >>

So it is OKAY to put the amount of the gift in the letter and this will not break any IRS rules? I think some people have advised us in the past to not list the amount. I just want to make sure we are not breaking any IRS rules by listing the amount since we are NOT telling them it is a gift from them, just acknowledging that we received it from the DAFD. Thank you again! Corie Pryor Coordinator of Operations Advancement Office Truman State University Kirksville MO 63501 cpryor@truman.edu<mailto:cpryor@truman.edu> 660-785-4125 This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete this message from your system. From: Advancement Services Discussion List [mailto:FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG] On Behalf Of John Taylor Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 2:05 PM To: FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG Subject: Re: [FUNDSVCS] Donor Acknowledgement Letter when gift is from donor-advised fund Yup - good advice and sounds strangely familiar :-). John John H. Taylor Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting 2604 Sevier St. Durham, NC 27705 johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com<mailto:johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com> 919.816.5903 (cell/text) Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 2:54 PM Corie Pryor <cpryor@truman.edu<mailto:cpryor@truman.edu>> wrote: I apologize if this has been addressed before. I have looked through the history of the archive and cannot find it. I have a question about sending acknowledgement letters from donor-advised funds to the donor who directed the fund. We give the hard credit to the DAFD and give soft credit to the donor. What I am asking about is the acknowledgement letter to the donor. I found this on the internet and I want to make sure that this source is reliable. Below is the wording that is suggested by a website called Little Green Light. I have read that you should not put the amount in the letter and I have read that you should put it in the letter to show good stewardship. Is there a right or wrong way? I can't find this specific question on the IRS website. I know you cannot say thank you for the gift, but is it is okay to say we appreciate them for directing a gift to the organization as is written below? Suggestion from Little Green Light: You do not need to send a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter to the donor-advised fund itself. It is important, however, that you express your gratitude to the person who recommended the grant. You can create a letter template that’s specifically used for this purpose. Keep the following in mind: Do express your appreciation of the grant made through the donor-advised fund. This letter is your opportunity to thank and steward the person who recommended the grant. Do not include tax deductible language—the supporter received a tax deduction when they put the money into the donor-advised fund. Here’s a quick example: Thank you for recommending that we receive a generous grant of $1,000 through your donor-advised fund at XYZ Foundation. We have received the grant, and the funds will make a profound difference in the lives of homeless children in our community. Thank you again for caring so deeply about the mission of ABC Organization. We are grateful for your support. Thank you. Corie Pryor Coordinator of Operations Truman State University

Thank you. Corie Pryor Coordinator of Operations Advancement Office Truman State University Kirksville MO 63501 cpryor@truman.edu<mailto:cpryor@truman.edu> 660-785-4125 This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete this message from your system. From: Advancement Services Discussion List [mailto:FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG] On Behalf Of Amy Phillips Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 2:29 PM To: FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG Subject: Re: [FUNDSVCS] Donor Acknowledgement Letter when gift is from donor-advised fund Good afternoon, Corie - I would argue, though not vociferously, that it is better donor stewardship to include the amount if - as John noted - any such letter indicates the funds came via DAF [or private foundation] and that the letter doesn't include any of the "goods and services" language which could turn it into a receipt (not that donors should be getting any benefits associated with those transactions, anyway, but that is another discussion). I'm also a proponent of including the total mean value of stock contributions in those letters, as well, also for purposes of donor stewardship and most stock receipts I've seen pretty clearly note that the value noted is provided only for purposes of recognition. My added thoughts - fwiw... Good luck and best regards, Amy Director of Advancement Services, Gift Acceptance Division of University Advancement The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Avenue, E215 O'Connell Hall Washington, DC 20064 Phone: 202-319-6919 Email: phillipsajud@cua.edu<mailto:phillipsajud@cua.edu> [https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1tdxfrgPz6o_f-BUqZPqadEO2p0WuV5DB&revid=0Bx1FoaRWecVMcy9uUlc0b0dadStQTWlycUJVOC9ycDdQWmdnPQ] On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 3:11 PM John Taylor <johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com<mailto:johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com>> wrote: I personally do not see a need to include the amount, but some donors will wonder if you received the right amount. So it is okay as long as you make it clear that the letter is not a receipt. The example language they offer does just that - points out that the actual gift was made by a DAF. John John H. Taylor Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting 2604 Sevier St. Durham, NC 27705 johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com<mailto:johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com> 919.816.5903 (cell/text) Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 3:08 PM Pryor, Corie <cpryor@truman.edu<mailto:cpryor@truman.edu>> wrote: So it is OKAY to put the amount of the gift in the letter and this will not break any IRS rules? I think some people have advised us in the past to not list the amount. I just want to make sure we are not breaking any IRS rules by listing the amount since we are NOT telling them it is a gift from them, just acknowledging that we received it from the DAFD. Thank you again! Corie Pryor Coordinator of Operations Advancement Office Truman State University Kirksville MO 63501 cpryor@truman.edu<mailto:cpryor@truman.edu> 660-785-4125 This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential, proprietary and privileged information, and unauthorized disclosure or use is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete this message from your system. From: Advancement Services Discussion List [mailto:FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG<mailto:FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG>] On Behalf Of John Taylor Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 2:05 PM To: FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG<mailto:FUNDSVCS@LISTSERV.FUNDSVCS.ORG> Subject: Re: [FUNDSVCS] Donor Acknowledgement Letter when gift is from donor-advised fund Yup - good advice and sounds strangely familiar :-). John John H. Taylor Principal, John H. Taylor Consulting 2604 Sevier St. Durham, NC 27705 johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com<mailto:johntaylorconsulting@gmail.com> 919.816.5903 (cell/text) Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987 On Tue, Jan 22, 2019 at 2:54 PM Corie Pryor <cpryor@truman.edu<mailto:cpryor@truman.edu>> wrote: I apologize if this has been addressed before. I have looked through the history of the archive and cannot find it. I have a question about sending acknowledgement letters from donor-advised funds to the donor who directed the fund. We give the hard credit to the DAFD and give soft credit to the donor. What I am asking about is the acknowledgement letter to the donor. I found this on the internet and I want to make sure that this source is reliable. Below is the wording that is suggested by a website called Little Green Light. I have read that you should not put the amount in the letter and I have read that you should put it in the letter to show good stewardship. Is there a right or wrong way? I can't find this specific question on the IRS website. I know you cannot say thank you for the gift, but is it is okay to say we appreciate them for directing a gift to the organization as is written below? Suggestion from Little Green Light: You do not need to send a tax receipt or acknowledgment letter to the donor-advised fund itself. It is important, however, that you express your gratitude to the person who recommended the grant. You can create a letter template that’s specifically used for this purpose. Keep the following in mind: Do express your appreciation of the grant made through the donor-advised fund. This letter is your opportunity to thank and steward the person who recommended the grant. Do not include tax deductible language—the supporter received a tax deduction when they put the money into the donor-advised fund. Here’s a quick example: Thank you for recommending that we receive a generous grant of $1,000 through your donor-advised fund at XYZ Foundation. We have received the grant, and the funds will make a profound difference in the lives of homeless children in our community. Thank you again for caring so deeply about the mission of ABC Organization. We are grateful for your support. Thank you. Corie Pryor Coordinator of Operations Truman State University