![](https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_150/public/pictures/critchie.jpg?itok=zOxxvIxr)
Ms. Christina Ritchie
Activating Support for the Arts from Donor Advised Funds
Posted by Apr 20, 2021
![](https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_150/public/pictures/critchie.jpg?itok=zOxxvIxr)
Ms. Christina Ritchie
Philanthropists around the country are trying to make an outsize difference during the COVID-19 crisis with an initiative called #HalfMyDAF. The group, founded by Jennifer and David Risher, has banded together to offer matching challenge grants when others join them in committing to distribute at least half of the money in their Donor Advised Fund accounts to charities. The initiative spurred the distribution of $8.6 million in DAF distributions that were matched by $1.8 million in matching grants in 2020. So far $3.1 million is available in matching grants for 2021, but those funds will support the arts only if arts philanthropists step up to participate. Below is the story of one arts organization that benefitted from the initiative in 2020, Ashland New Plays Festival, which received a matching grant that provided a significant additional financial boost in a difficult year. Could this growing movement do even more for the arts in 2021?
Read More