Explore New Ways to Give
Whether you’re new to international philanthropy, already working with CAF America, or looking to support a new organization, cause, or region, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Many people use our Donor Advised Fund products to organize their charitable giving, but not everyone needs to create a fund account to start their philanthropic journey. Make a one-time donation as a Donor Advised Gift or a Single Restricted Gift to make a global impact without an ongoing commitment.
From protecting endangered wildlife in Africa’s savannas to providing clean water to children in rural Nepal, CAF America helps you easily support the international causes you care about. Below, learn how our single gift offerings work, determine if they are a giving option that is right for you, and explore real examples of impact. Let CAF America simplify your giving journey and help you create tangible change around the world.
How Single Gifts Work
A one-time donation allows you to support an organization or specific charitable project abroad without the need for an ongoing commitment. With a network of over 1.9 million vetted charities across 135 countries, CAF America supports donors in identifying projects that align with their philanthropic goals, whether by recommending a new or existing initiative or leveraging our database and advisory resources for guidance. Our single gifts options ensure compliance and impact through a streamlined grantmaking solution. All projects are rigorously reviewed to guarantee compliance with U.S. regulations and ethical standards, providing peace of mind and meaningful results.
When making a single gift, donors can expect secure grant payments through free wire transfers, expert support from CAF America’s dedicated staff, and efficient tax acknowledgment. Additionally, you can contribute non-cash assets – like real estate, privately held stock, or art – and enjoy a fully transparent, tax-deductible giving process.
Top benefits include:
- Global Impact – Support one of the international charities eligible with CAF America or recommend a cause important to you without the need for ongoing fund management
- Flexible – Make a one-time gift via several donation methods without establishing a Donor Advised Fund
- Efficient – Weekly grantmaking cycle facilitated by knowledgeable team member
- Tax Benefits – Eligible for immediate tax deductions and the ability to donate illiquid assets
- 3Rs – CAF America’s industry-leading organizational vetting and due diligence protocols reduce the risk, reputational exposure, and administrative burden associated with regulatory-compliant grantmaking
Donor Advised Gift vs. Donor Advised Fund: Which Is Right for You?
While both Donor Advised Gifts (DAGs) and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) allow donors to support charitable causes, they differ in structure and commitment. A DAG is a one-time contribution directed to a specific project or organization, ideal for donors seeking flexibility without the need for an ongoing relationship. In contrast, a DAF acts as a charitable giving account, allowing donors to recommend grants over time while maintaining a lasting philanthropic vehicle, as well as offering some additional available features, such as an Invested DAF (IDAF). Both options provide tax benefits and opportunities to work with experienced team members; however, DAGs are better suited for a more targeted, immediate impact, whereas DAFs offer a sustained and potentially more cost-effective approach to long-term strategic giving.
Impact in Action
Learn more about how a single gift helped one donor make a difference in the lives of others through this giving story:
The Donor
CAF America donor, Russell Brine from Seattle, WA, uses our DAG option to give regularly to an organization close to his heart, St. John Bosco Educational Trust.
The Organization
St. John Bosco Educational Trust
Location
Kitale, Kenya
Focus Areas
SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8, SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Mission
Providing educational sponsorships for orphans and vulnerable children, empowering those from extreme poverty with the skills for employment, self-reliance, and a path out of poverty.
How CAF America Donors Are Making a Difference
CAF America donors, including Russell, have helped transform the lives of 128 very disadvantaged children and youth in Kenya by providing access to education and critical support. Donations covered school fees, supplies, uniforms, textbooks, medical care, and transportation, ensuring students could attend primary, high school, vocational, and post-secondary programs. Additionally, the support funded salaries for social workers and a driver who offer guidance, counseling, and transport to schools.
The impact is incredible: students not only gain an education but also achieve self-reliance, breaking the cycle of extreme poverty. Evaluations show that graduates secure steady jobs — 20% work as teachers, nurses, or clinical officers, while 50% excel in trades like electricians, seamstresses, and welders. Others find meaningful work in services and small businesses.
This success is built on a proven model emphasizing education, career guidance, and reintegration into home communities, where graduates become role models, particularly for young women. Thanks to donor support, these students have the opportunity to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Edward Ekadeli: From Student to Scholar and Mentor
A recent success story of someone who greatly benefited from the support of St. John Bosco Educational Trust is Edward Ekadeli. Thanks to the organization, Edward was able to attend primary and secondary school before pursuing a university degree in education. Upon graduation, he secured a position as a Swahili teacher at a prestigious high school in Nairobi, which later supported him in earning his master’s degree. Determined to further his education, Edward went on to complete a PhD, funding his studies through a combination of personal resources and support from the Educational Trust.
Now, Edward has returned to his home region in Northern Kenya, where he is actively involved in establishing a college — an invaluable educational resource in this underserved area. Beyond his work at the college, he leads the St. John Bosco student alumni association, mentoring Educational Trust students and helping them secure employment. His leadership has inspired others; thanks to his influence, the Educational Trust has now seen eleven students become teachers. With continued donor support, many more will follow in his footsteps.
Impact In Action Profile
Russell shares how he supports St. John Bosco Educational Trust through CAF America:
What initially inspired you to support St. John Bosco Educational Trust?
I served overseas as a member of a Catholic mission organization for 24 years. I worked primarily in the area of education. I saw firsthand that St. John Bosco is a well-run and effective project that is helping many disadvantaged children and youth to receive an education and better their lives and that of their families.
How did you hear about CAF America and decide to give through our organization?
Through a lawyer in my home area of Seattle, Washington. The lawyer suggested that it was more efficient to give through CAF America than to set up and administer my own separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
How does giving to St. John Bosco Educational Trust align with your personal values and/or philanthropic goals?
There are many needs in the areas of the world where there are high levels of extreme poverty, such as in Africa. I know this from first-hand observations from my 24 years overseas as a member of a Catholic mission organization. My goals are to help the poorest of the poor in the world, and to be effective in my help. The project invests in the education of children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds in Kenya, and they become self-reliant and escape poverty.
What impact or outcomes are most important to you when supporting St. John Bosco Educational Trust?
The children and youth become self-reliant and escape the extreme poverty of their backgrounds. The former students also support their families and contribute to the development of their home community. Many former students now work in either the medical field (as nurses, clinical officers, nutritionists) and as teachers (primary and secondary school). Others work in the trades.
How has your experience working with CAF America influenced your approach to international giving?
Working with CAF America has been more efficient than setting up and administering my own separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
In what ways would you like to continue supporting St. John Bosco Educational Trust or similar causes in the future?
It is a highly effective project that has helped many disadvantaged children and youth to become self-reliant and escape poverty. I plan to continue supporting the St. John Bosco Educational Trust financially for many years to come.
With CAF America, your gifts create real, lasting change around the globe.
Learn more about making a donation via a Donor Advised Gift (DAG) or a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).
Explore more giving insights and stories of impact.
Connect with our team to learn more about single gifts or Donor Advised Funds: info@cafamerica.org.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Russell for his generous contributions and for choosing CAF America to support his international giving.
