There’s something special about Opening Day. The crack of the bat, the fresh-cut grass, the feeling that anything is possible. Baseball fans know—it’s more than a game. It’s tradition, strategy, and legacy, all wrapped into one.
And believe it or not, Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have more in common with baseball than you might think.
So whether you're settling in to watch your favorite team or helping clients plan for the future, here are a few timely reminders from the ballpark that also apply to charitable giving—and why now might be the perfect moment to open a DAF.
1. Opening Day Is All About a Fresh Start
Just like a new baseball season, starting a Donor-Advised Fund opens up a world of possibilities. It’s a chance to reset your charitable goals, define your long-term impact, and create a giving game plan that reflects your values.
And with a Donor-Advised Fund, you don’t have to have all the answers on Day One. You can contribute now, take the tax deduction, and decide later which organizations to support—just like a manager crafting a lineup over the course of a season.
2. Baseball Is a Long Game—So Is Philanthropy
No one wins a championship on Opening Day. Great seasons are built inning by inning, game by game—just like great legacies. A Donor-Advised Fund lets you play the long game with your philanthropy, growing your fund over time, making thoughtful grants, and involving your family in the process.
At UI Charitable, we see giving not as a one-time act, but as a lifelong journey. Whether you’re building a personal legacy or passing on values to the next generation, Donor-Advised Funds give you the flexibility and runway to do it right.
3. Behind Every Great Team Is a Great Strategy
In baseball, every pitch and every swing is part of a larger plan. Similarly, strategic philanthropy is about more than just writing checks—it’s about aligning your giving with your goals, your tax planning, and your personal values.
With a Donor-Advised Fund through UI Charitable, your giving becomes part of a bigger strategy. You can contribute cash, appreciated assets, or business interests. You can invest your Donor-Advised Fand balance for growth—or even choose impact investments that reflect the causes you care about. Every move is intentional.
4. It’s a Team Sport
Baseball isn’t a solo act—and neither is giving. Whether you’re involving your family, collaborating with your advisor, or engaging a community around your fund, philanthropy is more powerful when it’s shared.
Donor-Advised Funds give you a structure for doing that. At UI Charitable, we help donors build collaborative giving plans that bring generations together and turn values into action. It’s about more than funding nonprofits—it’s about building a team that can make a difference together.
Opening Day Takeaway: Step Up to the Plate
As the baseball season kicks off, it’s a reminder to start strong and think long. Whether you're a donor, an advisor, or someone just starting to explore philanthropy, a Donor-Advised Fund could be the perfect first pitch.
And with UI Charitable, you’re not just opening a giving account—you’re starting a season (and a legacy) full of possibility.
Because like baseball, great giving takes heart, patience, and a little strategy. And Opening Day is the perfect time to get in the game.
