University of North Georgia Launches Innovative Donor-Advised Fund Program with Foundation Source
University of North Georgia Foundation Unveils Branded Donor-Advised Fund Program
The University of North Georgia (UNG) Foundation has officially launched its own branded donor-advised fund (DAF) program, collaborating closely with Foundation Source and Charityvest. This partnership aims to provide UNG’s alumni and supporters with a modern, technology-driven platform that facilitates giving, making it simpler for them to contribute towards the university and other charitable organizations.
Key Features of the UNG Foundation DAF
The newly established DAF allows donors to open a charitable giving account where they can make tax-deductible contributions and see these contributions grow, all while having the autonomy to recommend grants to the UNG Foundation and various charities of their choice. This simple approach not only empowers donors to streamline their giving efforts but also reinforces their connection to the university and its mission.
Jeff Tarnowski, Vice President for Advancement at UNG and CEO at the UNG Foundation, emphasized the importance of making philanthropy accessible. “Our alumni and supporters are incredibly generous, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to support UNG while pursuing their broader philanthropic goals,” he stated. With the DAF, donors can choose how and when they give, enhancing their engagement with the causes they care about.
Flexibility and Inclusiveness in Giving
The DAF is particularly noteworthy due to its inclusiveness regarding the types of assets it can accept. Beyond cash and marketable securities, the program is equipped to handle complex assets, including real estate, private equity, and other appreciated assets. This flexibility increases potential contributions from donors, as it accommodates a greater variety of assets for charitable giving.
Additionally, donors have the option to designate the UNG Foundation as a beneficiary or name successors, allowing for effective long-term planning for charitable donations. This means not only can they benefit now, but they can also ensure ongoing support for the university in the future.
A Progressive Approach to Alumni Engagement
The launch of the UNG Foundation DAF aligns with a growing trend among universities seeking innovative ways to enhance their fundraising strategies. As Stephen Kump, President of DAFs at Foundation Source and Founder of Charityvest, stated, “Universities are increasingly looking for ways to enhance their fundraising strategies, and a branded DAF is one of the most effective tools for meeting donors where they are.” Through this program, the university stands to foster deeper connections with its alumni while encouraging them to engage in meaningful philanthropy.
The initiative mirrors a similar DAF program recently introduced with Temple University in late 2025, showcasing the commitment of both Foundation Source and Charityvest to enable academic institutions to wield the tools necessary for more strategic giving.
As part of this new program, UNG alumni and supporters are encouraged to explore the array of benefits and features the DAF provides. More information and resources can be found directly on the UNG Foundation’s website, where donors can learn how to get started with their giving accounts.
About the Partners
Foundation Source is a leading provider of philanthropic solutions, specializing in enabling donors, nonprofits, and institutions to achieve their charitable goals through an innovative suite of services. With over $55 billion in charitable assets under their administration, the organization helps navigate the complexities of charitable giving effectively.
Charityvest aims to promote charitable giving via modern technology, facilitating a smoother philanthropic experience. It collaborates with financial advisors, nonprofits, and corporate partners to ensure individuals can participate in philanthropy more actively.
Through the launch of the UNG Foundation DAF, both alumni and supporters are presented with a valuable opportunity to contribute in ways that resonate with their personal giving strategies, thus ensuring a positive impact on the university and the wider community.