Ah, prom season—the sparkling dresses, the awkward dance moves, the over-the-top group photos in someone’s backyard. It is the moment high schoolers plan for all year, hoping to make a night they will never forget.

And strangely enough? It’s weirdly similar to how a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) works.

Okay, hear us out.

💃 Prom and Philanthropy: More Alike Than You Think

1. You Plan in Advance

No one rolls up to prom without planning. (Okay, maybe someone does, but it rarely ends well.) You have got to pick your outfit, coordinate with your group, book the limo, figure out dinner—it is a whole “thing”.

Same goes for your giving. A Donor-Advised Fund lets you plan ahead: make a charitable contribution now, take the tax deduction, and decide later which nonprofits you want to support. It is like buying the dress early, but waiting to decide who your date is.

2. You Budget Carefully (Ideally)

Between the ticket, tux rental, flowers, dinner, and after-party, prom can get pricey. Smart prom-goers set a budget to make the night memorable without breaking the bank.

A Donor-Advised Fund helps you budget for generosity. You can set aside funds for giving when it makes the most financial sense—like after a big income year or before year-end tax planning kicks in.

3. You Get to Customize the Experience

Your prom night is your prom night. Whether you are rocking Converse with your gown or showing up in a vintage car, it reflects your personality.

With a Donor-Advised Fund, your giving reflects your values. Want to support animal rescue, climate change, and local arts? Great. Want to stay anonymous or give publicly? Also great. You call the shots.

🏆 The Real Magic Happens After the Flashbulbs

Prom is not just about the night—it is about the memories you make, the impact it leaves. That is also true of Donor-Advised Funds.

When you contribute to a Donor-Advised Fund, you are not just checking a box—you are starting a journey of intentional, lasting philanthropy. You can involve your family, set up recurring grants, or even grow your fund with impact investments.

And unlike that corsage? Your generosity won’t wilt by morning.

🎓 Graduation Is Coming—What’s Your Legacy?

Prom season is a rite of passage. So is getting serious about your financial and philanthropic goals. Whether you are heading off to college or just reminiscing about your own prom decades ago, now is a perfect time to think bigger:

• What causes light you up?

• What kind of impact do you want to leave?

• What if giving could be fun and financially smart?

Spoiler: With a Donor-Advised Fund, it can be.

💌 Ready to Say Yes to the (Tax) Deduction?

Whether you are new to giving or already on your philanthropic glow-up, a Donor-Advised Fund is the perfect match. It is flexible, strategic, and totally on-theme for your charitable prom-posals.

So go ahead—dust off your prom playlist, and plan a giving season as unforgettable as a slow dance under the disco ball.