Episode Summary

Today we’re diving into the world of charitable giving and the growing role of donor-advised funds (DAFs) in estate administration. Special guest Ian Currie from Canada Gives joins Gordon and Jenna to walk executors and estate planners through how donor-advised funds work, when to consider a private foundation, and how to honour a loved one’s philanthropic legacy with more ease and flexibility.

Whether you’re planning your own estate or administering someone else's, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about managing charitable gifts effectively and strategically.

What You’ll Learn

• Foundations vs. Donor-Advised Funds
  • Key differences between private foundations, public foundations, and DAFs
  • The benefits of DAFs for simplicity, privacy, and cost-efficiency
  • Why DAFs are often better suited for estates under $5M
• Executor Responsibilities
  • How executors can carry out charitable wishes through DAFs
  • Why setting up a DAF early helps with tax efficiency and legacy continuity
  • The flexibility DAFs offer compared to naming multiple charities in a will
• Setting Up a Donor-Advised Fund
  • Setup can be done in 24–48 hours
  • Naming flexibility and multi-generational involvement
  • Can receive cash, securities, and grants from estates or private foundations
  • No expiry date—DAFs can continue in perpetuity
• Investment and Granting Options
  • Donors may nominate their own investment advisor
  • CRA's 5% disbursement quota and how DAFs manage it
  • Grants can be structured over multiple years for strategic impact
• Best Practices for Estate Planning
  • Include DAF instructions in the will
  • Update charity preferences without rewriting legal documents
  • Use a DAF to streamline giving and reduce administrative burden

Real-World Example

Ian shares the story of a $20M estate where the executor was tasked with giving $10M to charity. Through a DAF, they avoided issuing 20 individual gifts and instead structured multi-year giving plans to multiple charities—all with one tax receipt, investment oversight, and ongoing family involvement. It reduced complexity and honoured the donor’s legacy with intention and efficiency.

Connect with Ian Currie

Ian Currie, MFA-P™
Regional Development Manager – Western Canada
📧 [email protected]
📞 Direct: 587-334-8229 | Toll Free: 1-844-583-4483
Canada Gives – Toronto | Collingwood | Edmonton
📬 Mailing Address: #203 – 40 Huron St, Collingwood ON L9Y 4R3
🌐 www.canadagives.ca

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Hosts:
Jenna Carvalho
The smartest way to choose an executor.
Guardian Estate Company
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Gordon VanderLeek
Give your family a legacy of protection - Wills, Estates and Trusts.
VanderLeek Law
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