A Smarter Way To Give

If you give to charity regularly – or are thinking about making a larger gift – you may be wondering how to make the most of your generosity. Whether you're passionate about supporting local nonprofits, funding scholarships, or giving quietly to causes close to your heart, the Hills Bank Donor Advised Gift Fund (DAGF) offers a flexible, tax-smart way to give.

What Is a Donor Advised Gift Fund?

A DAGF is a charitable investment account opened in your name. You make a contribution to the fund, receive a tax deduction in the year of the gift, and then recommend grants to qualified charities over time. It’s a way to plan your giving with intention – while keeping things simple and organized.

Why Consider a Donor Advised Gift Fund?

Here are a few reasons why a DAGF might be a good fit for your charitable goals:

1. Immediate Tax Benefits, Flexible Giving

You can make a large contribution in one year – and claim the full deduction that year – even if you plan to distribute the funds to charities gradually. This is especially helpful if you’re looking to “bunch” donations for tax purposes.

2. Give When You’re Ready

There’s no rush to decide where every dollar goes. You can take your time identifying the organizations you want to support, and make grants when it feels right.

3. Donate Appreciated Assets or Commodities

You can contribute stocks, mutual funds, or even farm commodities like grain or soybeans. In many cases, this allows you to avoid capital gains tax while still supporting the causes you care about.

4. Maintain Privacy

If you prefer to give anonymously, you can. The charity will know the gift came from the Hills Bank DAGF, but your name doesn’t have to be disclosed.

5. Local Service, Personal Support

Unlike national providers, Hills Bank offers local expertise and personalized service. Our Trust and Wealth Management team is here to help you set up your fund, choose an investment strategy, and manage your giving over time.

Who Is It For?

The Hills Bank Donor Advised Gift Fund is ideal for individuals or families who:

• Give at least $10,000 annually to charity
• Want to simplify and organize their giving
• Are looking for tax-efficient ways to donate
• Prefer a more private or long-term approach to philanthropy

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re interested in exploring whether a DAGF is right for you, our team is happy to help. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you align your giving with your financial goals. You can give us a call at 1-800-899-8858 or email us at wealthmanagement@hillsbank.com

Investments are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits, and may lose value.