Explore New Ways to Give
Whether you’re new to international philanthropy, working with CAF America, or looking to support a new organization, cause, region, or disaster response effort, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Try a single Donor Advised Gift (DAG) or Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) today and make a meaningful impact.
From protecting endangered wildlife in Africa’s savannas to bringing life-saving clean water to children in rural Nepal, CAF America makes it easy to give quickly internationally with single Donor Advised Gifts (DAGs) no matter the cause you’re passionate about. In this blog, discover how DAGs work, determine whether a DAG is the right giving vehicle for you, and see real examples of donor impact in action. Learn how CAF America simplifies the giving process, helping you create tangible change in the lives of others.
How Donor Advised Gifts Work
Donor Advised Gifts (DAGs) allow you to support a 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 can help identify a project that aligns with your philanthropic goals, or you can recommend a new or existing initiative of your choice. Our DAGs ensure compliance, impact, and ease. All projects are rigorously reviewed to guarantee compliance with U.S. regulations and ethical standards, providing peace of mind and meaningful results
Benefits include secure grant payments through free wire transfers, expert support from CAF America’s dedicated staff, and streamlined tax acknowledgment for donors. Additionally, you can contribute non-cash assets — like real estate, privately held stock, or art — and enjoy a fully transparent, tax-deductible giving process.
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 long-term charitable giving account, allowing donors to recommend grants over time while maintaining a lasting philanthropic vehicle. Both options provide tax benefits, but DAGs are better suited for targeted, immediate impact, whereas DAFs offer a sustained and discounted approach to strategic giving.
Impact In Action
Learn more about how two of our donors have made a difference in the lives of others through Donor Advised Gifts:
The Donor
One of our individual private client donors Russell Brine uses the Donor Advised Gifts option with CAF America to give regularly to an organization close to his heart, St. John Bosco Educational Trust.
The Organization
St. John Bosco Educational Trust
How CAF America Donors Are Making a Difference
CAF America donors, including Russell, have helped transform the lives of 125 extremely 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 drivers 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.
Impact In Action Profile
Russell shares how he supports St. John Bosco Educational Trust through Donor Advised Gifts with 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 first-hand 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 501c3 non-profit organization.
Why did you choose a single gift for this donation?
The project is effective in serving disadvantaged children and youth through education that leads to self-reliance and escaping poverty.
What drew you to this specific organization, cause, region, or area of disaster response?
I am familiar with the project through my 24 years of working overseas as a member of a Catholic mission 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.
Can you tell us about your first time giving internationally?
I served overseas for twenty-four years. So I have given internationally for many years.
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.
What advice would you give someone considering a first-time donation to an international charity through CAF America?
Look at the effectiveness and impact of the project on people living in extreme poverty.
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.
The Donor
_______
The Organization
_______
How CAF America Donors Are Making a Difference
_____________________
With CAF America, your gifts create real, lasting change around the globe.
Learn more about making a Donor Advised Gift.
Explore more giving insights and Stories of Impact.
Contact our Business Development team today at ______ to explore which giving option is right for you.
