Donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer a powerful way to manage charitable giving, offering flexibility, tax advantages, and control. But for many, especially those using large national institutions, the experience can start to feel distant.
At Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF), we believe giving should be deeply connected to people, to place, and to purpose. More and more, donors are discovering that the value of a DAF goes far beyond convenience, and is really about relationship.
Just ask Stephen Miller.
A Story of Rediscovering Purpose in Giving
“For the majority of my career, I have been a CPA. Many of my clients had Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), and my wife and I started our self-guided DAF through a national organization. Frankly, we didn’t have a relationship with anyone there. They didn’t provide input regarding available charities or planning as to how donations should be made. It was a nameless, faceless relationship. Additionally, I started to realize that my follow-through didn’t match my intentions, as I wasn’t donating what I wanted to.”
“I started to ponder who I knew in the community and set up some interviews with the local community foundations. There was a stark difference in their energy and approach. I found PCF to be warm and personable. It struck me that if I moved my account to PCF, I would have a relationship with people who are aware of what is going on in the community, thereby making me more likely to give. The relationship with PCF was the key deciding factor.”
Pictured: Stephen Miller and his late wife, Terri Savage-Miller. Terri’s unwavering commitment to bringing happiness left an indelible mark on her family and friends. We honor her memory and extend our heartfelt sympathy to Stephen and their loved ones.
A Simple Shift with a Big Impact
Transferring a DAF might sound complicated, but as Stephen shares, the process was easy and supported every step of the way.
“It was really simple. Duggan was my new guy. I called him and asked, ‘What do I do?’ He shared that all that’s needed is to go to our current provider, give them the new account information, and transfer it over. There were some minor formalities as we had existing investment options that were different from those offered by PCF, but it was rather simple. We set up the account, had a target in place, and moved it.”
At PCF, we make this transition seamless. Whether you’re opening a new fund or moving one from another institution, we walk you through each step to ensure your philanthropic momentum continues without interruption.
A Local Team That’s There When It Matters
Unlike national DAF platforms, PCF offers more than a dashboard. We offer direct access to a local team who knows your name and understands your goals.
“Most everything is available online, so we can make grants ourselves. What I have been impressed with is their level of service. There is a charity my wife and I wanted to fund, but since it is based out of Boston, PCF didn’t have a history with the charity. I merely gave them the contact information, and they verified the organization. Now we have a new charity we can fund. The experience has been seamless, and it was comforting to know that some due diligence was done before I sent the donation. Anytime I have a question, I can give PCF a call, and they provide expert guidance.”
This kind of responsiveness and care reflects the heart of what PCF stands for: community trust, expert stewardship, and personalized support.
The Real Test: Relationship
Ultimately, the experience of giving, especially through a DAF, boils down to one powerful question: Who are you in relationship with?
“I think the real test of your DAF is who you will have a relationship with at the organization. At PCF, you will have a relationship with people who take the time to get to know you and assist you when you need it. You’ll see them in action firsthand and quickly develop a sense of the kind of relationship you’ll have with your DAF.”
“I’ve got a guy! I have a guy who fixes my car, now I have an organization I can trust. PCF is my charity guy!”
Why PCF?
At Pinellas Community Foundation, we offer donor-advised funds with:
- Immediate tax benefits with flexibility on timing and grantmaking/li>
- Online access for making grants and viewing balances/li>
- Expert support from a local team who knows the community/li>
- Personalized guidance to help align your giving with your values/li>
- Due diligence to ensure your giving is secure and impactful/li>
- Legacy planning support to sustain your vision over time
- Whether you’re focused on education, housing, healthcare, the environment, or the arts, PCF connects your generosity to real, lasting change across Pinellas County and beyond.
Considering a Switch?
If your current DAF feels transactional, out of touch, or disconnected from the community you want to support, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.
Transferring your fund to PCF is easy. It may be one of the most meaningful changes you make in your giving journey.
🔗 Explore how a DAF with PCF works
🔗 Ready to transfer your fund? Let’s talk.
