Live Local, Give Local: How a Donor Advised Fund at ACT Creates a Circle of Good
What makes a Saturday afternoon in Alexandria feel so different from anywhere else?
Maybe it's strolling through Old Town with Misha's coffee in hand, your dog trotting beside you while you catch up with a friend and pause to admire Red Barn Mercantile's latest window display. Or taking your seven-year-old niece on an adventure to discover the reading tree at Old Town Books, followed by ice cream at Pops and treasure hunting at Happy Place.
These aren't just errands. They're moments of connection, carefully curated by neighbors who know your name. This is the power of shopping small and local: it embellishes our lives and supports livelihoods right here in Alexandria.
You support this community every time you shop small—and I imagine it gives you an additional boost of joy each time you make a purchase. But do you give local too?
Philanthropy can feel as personal, impactful, and community-driven as shopping at your favorite local boutique.
Community Foundations: Your Local Strategy for Charitable Giving
Alexandria has its own community foundation designed to make local giving effortless. ACT for Alexandria has spent 20 years doing the work of connection: matching generous neighbors with worthy causes, understanding our community's evolving needs, and making strategic grants that move Alexandria forward.
You've most likely participated in Spring2ACTion, Alexandria's giving day hosted by ACT. Now, imagine having that same simplicity and local connection available year-round. That’s exactly what a donor advised fund (DAF) hosted at ACT provides.
Donor Advised Funds: Your Charitable Savings Account for Local Impact
Think of donor advised funds as a charitable savings account that's deeply rooted in your community. Setting up a fund is simple: reach out to us to discuss your charitable giving goals and set up a fund; make a charitable contribution to your fund, choose an investment strategy aligned with your giving goals, watch the assets in your fund grow, and then you have the flexibility to support any nonprofit, in our community, across the country, or around the world—all year long and in the years to come.
The real magic, though, isn't just the mechanics. It’s the partnership. ACT's team brings deep knowledge of our community to the table, serving as your guide to impactful, joyful local philanthropy:
We know which organizations are tackling Alexandria's biggest challenges.
We can connect you with causes that align with your values.
We can help you involve your family in meaningful giving, organize a workplace giving circle, or inspire your neighbors to join you.
We help you build giving strategies, forge authentic relationships with nonprofits, and create experiences that deepen your connection to Alexandria.
The Circle of Good: How your Fund Amplifies Local Impact
Donor advised funds hosted by ACT aren't just about giving. They're about investing in the wonderful community you call home.
When you give through a DAF at ACT your generosity goes further. The small administrative fee collected to manage your fund stays right here in Alexandria. ACT re-invests your fees into our community-driven programs like Spring2ACTion or workshops that help strengthen Alexandria’s nonprofits.
From uplifting our youth and enriching our cultural scene to protecting the environment and providing essential services, nonprofits help Alexandria thrive. And, as they flourish, our community becomes more vibrant, more connected, more resilient.
Join a community of local changemakers: Visit our website or contact me to learn more about establishing a donor advised fund. Whether you're ready to set one up or simply want to explore how it works, our team is here to help you make giving as intentional and rewarding as the way you already support this community.
SEE ALSO: A Community That Cares: ACT for Alexandria’s Spring2ACTion Kicks Off
