Decoding Dravet Blog

Making a Lasting Impact: The Power of Non-Cash Charitable Contributions for Dravet Syndrome

Dear Friends of Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF),

In the journey of making a difference in the lives touched by Dravet syndrome, every contribution holds the power to bring about change, hope, and progress. While cash donations are always appreciated and put to good use, there’s a world of giving that goes beyond writing a check or making an online payment. Today, let’s explore the impactful and often overlooked world of non-cash charitable contributions! With DSF’s new Smart Giving resources, some of our most savvy supporters are already saving on their taxes and making their gifts go farther.

From gifts of stock and cryptocurrency to contributions from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), these unique methods of giving can offer significant benefits to both the giver and the receiver.

Gifts of Stock: A Win-Win for Giving

Donating stocks to DSF can be a win-win for both you and the foundation. If you’ve held stocks for more than a year that have appreciated in value, donating them directly can allow you to avoid capital gains taxes. This means you can give more, as you’re not selling the stock and incurring taxes first. Plus, you’ll receive a tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of the gift. For the foundation, receiving stocks directly provides us with valuable resources to fund research, support families, and advocate for those affected by Dravet syndrome.

Cryptocurrency: The Future of Giving

The rise of digital currencies has opened new avenues for charitable giving. Donating cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, to DSF is another way to avoid capital gains taxes and receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of the crypto at the time of donation. Given the volatility of cryptocurrencies, this method of giving can be particularly attractive when the market is high. It’s a cutting-edge way to support cutting-edge research and services.

Gifts from IRAs: Making RMDs Count

For our friends who are 70 ½ years or older, gifts from an IRA can be a strategic way to support the foundation while meeting your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Directly transferring your RMD to DSF can exclude the amount donated from your taxable income, offering a tax-efficient way to fulfill your distribution requirements. This method is especially beneficial for those who might not itemize their deductions but still want to make a significant impact.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Simplify Your Giving

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a philanthropic vehicle that allows you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund over time. Contributing to a DAF and then directing gifts to DSF simplifies your giving and provides immediate benefits to you and sustained support to those affected by Dravet syndrome. It’s an excellent way to manage your philanthropy and make a lasting impact. Some of the more well known public charities like Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable have no minimum balance requirements, making the process of opening a DAF account more democratic.

The Impact of Your Non-Cash Contributions

Choosing to donate non-cash assets can significantly enhance your ability to support DSF’s mission. These contributions can provide a more considerable tax advantage to you and ensure that more of your donation goes directly to funding vital research, support services, and advocacy efforts. Every gift, regardless of its form, brings us and our entire Dravet community closer to a cure.

We thank you for considering the powerful impact your non-cash contributions can make. Together, we are funding research and making steady progress towards our goals. DSF donors who use Smart Giving tools are saving money, fueling more research and amplifying our progress, bringing us all that much closer to finding a cure for Dravet syndrome.

For more on these giving options, either scan the QR code up top or use the tools linked below to dive right in. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email me at cheyenne@dravetfoundation.org and I’d love to connect! Your support is invaluable to us, and we are here to assist you in making your giving as easy and as impactful as possible.

Support DSF your way

Thank you for your continued generosity and dedication to our cause.

With gratitude,
Cheyenne Wolf, Development Coordinator

Cheyenne Wolf

Cheyenne Wolf, a Central New Jersey native, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for non-profit development to her role as Development Coordinator. A graduate of Hightstown High School, Class of ’09, Cheyenne’s academic journey began when she was awarded the merit-based ‘NJ STARS’ scholarship, affording her studies at Mercer County Community College. In 2011, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, becoming the first in her family to graduate college. In 2013, she graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from William Paterson University. In 2014, Cheyenne embarked on her nonprofit journey as a Development Associate for People & Stories-Gente y Cuentos, Inc., a small-but-mighty organization based in New Jersey. Recognizing her dedication and grit, she quickly ascended the ranks, being promoted to Grants and Programs Manager in early 2016. Her passion for the organization’s mission and her ability to drive results led to her appointment as Executive Director in the fall of 2018. Under Cheyenne’s guidance, People & Stories-Gente y Cuentos, Inc. thrived, making significant strides in donor engagement and development strategy. Her servant leadership style reshaped the workplace culture and drove the organization’s outsized success during the pandemic and through April 2023. Cheyenne’s journey from a first-generation college student to an accomplished Executive Director exemplifies her intellectual curiosity and her passion for philanthropic work. She is excited to begin her next chapter as a member of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation’s Donor Engagement team!