Getting Started with Your Donor-Advised Fund on WellFunded

Welcome to WellFunded. As a new fundholder or administrator connected to a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), this guide will help you get started.

What Is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a giving account held by a foundation or financial institution. You, the fundholder, recommend where the money goes, and your DAF administrator carries out the donation on your behalf.

WellFunded helps you discover and organize your giving, making it easier to explore charities aligned with your values and signal intent through pledges.

How to Join WellFunded as a Fund Holder

Once you’ve received your invitation, here’s how to get started:

1. Click “Accept” in the email sent by your DAF administrator.
2. Set up your account with basic details.
3. Explore your dashboard, where you can browse charities, make pledges, and track your giving goals.

If you haven’t received an invite or need help accessing your account, contact our team.

Want to explore the platform in more detail? Read our guide to Navigating WellFunded as a Donor.

Making a Pledge

When you’re ready to give, you don’t donate directly through WellFunded. Instead, you make a pledge from your fund. This pledge acts as a signal that you intend to give to a specific charity.

Once submitted, the pledge notifies your donor-advised fund (DAF) administrator or foundation contact. They will then follow your usual process— whether that means reaching out for an agreement or disbursing funds by cheque or direct deposit.

Your pledge also appears in your fund dashboard, helping you stay organized and aligned with your giving goals.

What Your DAF Administrator Can (and Can't) See

Fundholders often ask what their admin can view. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Can see:

• Charities you’ve pledged to
• The pledge amounts

Can’t see:

• Which charities you’re browsing
• Your saved lists
• Tags, filters, or searches

Your searches and lists are yours alone. Think of it as a private giving notebook for you to explore and plan.

How Are Individual Accounts Connected to the DAF Administrator?

Your account is linked directly to your DAF administrator. When you make a pledge, it signals your intent to give.

The administrator is then notified and will carry out the donation using their standard process, whether that’s by cheque, direct deposit, or agreement-based steps.

Note: Pledges are not financial transactions. They are recommendations made to your administrator.

If you joined independently but are connected to a DAF, let us know and we’ll help you get linked properly.

What’s Next?

Still have questions? Book a call or reach out to our team for support. We’re here to help you give with clarity and confidence.

‍