Open a Donor-advised Fund
Open a Donor-advised Fund
Mobilising collective charitable capital for multiplied impact in
South Africa
Generosity
with multiplied
long-term impact
long-term impact
What is a Donor-advised Fund?
A Donor-advised Fund (DAF) is a specialised, tax-efficient giving vehicle that combines the advantages of a private foundation with the simplicity of a personal investment account. The DAF separates the decision to make a donation from the timing of the eventual distribution to charity, allowing you the flexibility to act more intentionally while retaining financial efficiency.
A Donor-advised Fund (DAF) is not simply another giving vehicle. It is a structured, tax-efficient platform designed to enable multiplication, sustainability, and collective impact.
Traditional philanthropy often treats giving as an expense, which frequently results in fund depletion and one-time grants disconnected from broader planning.
A DAF encourages donors to move beyond single-cycle giving towards a model of enduring capital by managing, growing, and directing your charitable assets to support a meaningful, multi-generational legacy.
The Donor-advised Fund advantage
Tax-efficient capital growth
Unlike direct donations, contributed funds can be invested and grow tax-free over time, increasing available charitable capital to support ongoing distributions.
Collective strength
Options to pool capital from like-minded donors , the platform enables funding for larger, more strategic initiatives that may not be possible through individual giving.
Expert oversight
We handle regulatory requirements and due diligence on your behalf. Through careful vetting, we help ensure funds are directed to compliant, credible, and values-aligned organisations.
Simplicity and cost efficiency
You avoid the substantial expense and complex administrative burden of establishing a private foundation while retaining advisory input on fund distribution.
Our Donor-advised Fund
The Tree of Life Donor-advised Fund is designed for donors who want their giving to go further and be more efficient over time. We provide individuals and families with the structure and support to give cash, shares, property, or other qualifying assets into a professionally stewarded fund created to maximise impact.
Steps in Tree of Life's DAF process:
1.
Fund your DAF
You make an irrevocable contribution of cash or other qualifying assets into your DAF account.
2.
Invest and grow
Your capital is invested in diversified, vetted portfolios, allowing it to grow tax-free over time. You also have access to online account statements.
3.
Recommend grants
You recommend when grants are made, how much is distributed, and which approved charities should receive support.
Donating non-cash assets
One of Tree of Life's key strengths is helping donors contribute complex assets, providing the fiduciary and administrative support needed to convert wealth into high-impact grants.
This may include:
● Collective investment schemes
● Listed shares
● Unlisted shares
● Property
● Other qualifying assets
For many donors, these assets represent a significant portion of wealth, but are often underused in charitable planning because the process feels too difficult or administratively risky.
Complex assets, simple giving
Tree of Life handles the complexity on your behalf to ensure it does not become a barrier to generosity. We process complex assets, managing the necessary valuation, due diligence, and realisation to make funds available for distribution to charities.
Tax-efficient giving
Contributions of assets to a DAF are not subject to capital gains tax, and any subsequent sale within the DAF is also exempt.
Fees
We are committed to transparency in our fees. Minimum initial contributions start at R500,000.
Account & platform fees
Fee Type
Rate
Details
Platform/Administration Fee
0.45% per annum (levied quarterly)
This recurring, asset-based charge funds the overhead costs of providing the DAF service, including compliance, trustee oversight, and administrative support.
Initial Donation Fee
R0.00
There is no initial fee on donations received.
International Transfer Fees
Variable
Applies only to actual Trustbridge charges and bank charges incurred on international transfers.
Platform/Administration Fee
Rate
0.45% per annum (levied quarterly)
Details
This recurring, asset-based charge funds the overhead costs of providing the DAF service, including compliance, trustee oversight, and administrative support.
Initial Donation Fee
Rate
R0.00
Details
There is no initial fee on donations received.
International Transfer Fees
Rate
Variable
Applies only to actual Trustbridge charges and bank charges incurred on international transfers.
Investment management fees
Portfolio
Investment Management Fee
Performance Fee Structure
Short-Term Liquid Portfolio
0.25% p.a.
None
Medium-Term Semi-Liquid Portfolio
0.75% p.a.
20% of the outperformance above a benchmark of CPI + 3%
Long-Term Private Equity Portfolio
2% p.a.
20% of the outperformance above a benchmark of CPI + 5%
Impact Portfolio
2% p.a.
None
Third-Party Portfolio
Varies
Varies
Portfolio
Short-Term Liquid Portfolio
Investment Management Fee
0.25% p.a.
Performance Fee Structure
None
Medium-Term Semi-Liquid Portfolio
Investment Management Fee
0.75% p.a.
Performance Fee Structure
20% of the outperformance above a benchmark of CPI + 3%
Long-Term Private Equity Portfolio
Investment Management Fee
2% p.a.
Performance Fee Structure
20% of the outperformance above a benchmark of CPI + 5%
Impact Portfolio
Investment Management Fee
2% p.a.
Performance Fee Structure
None
Third-Party Portfolio
Investment Management Fee
Varies
Performance Fee Structure
Varies
Grant distribution fee
Fee Type
Rate
Rationale
Distribution Fee
1% (minimum of R500)
This fee is levied when money is actually distributed to charities. It helps cover overheads associated with processing grants and discourages multiple small transactions ("non-sticky money").
Fee Type
Distribution Fee
Rate
1% (minimum of R500)
Rationale
This fee is levied when money is actually distributed to charities. It helps cover overheads associated with processing grants and discourages multiple small transactions ("non-sticky money").
Donor Events
Facilitating International giving
The Tree of Life Foundation can facilitate cross-border giving for international donors.
We are a member of the
TrustBridge Global Network
This is a compliant mechanism for international donations, including those from the United States. This affiliation offers a straightforward pathway for donors outside South Africa to contribute to a DAF account. By combining our local expertise with established institutional relationships, Tree of Life enables you to extend your charitable impact into South Africa with confidence.
(Disclaimer: International tax benefits vary by country. Please consult your local tax advisor.)
