Giving God's Word Generationally

The Wycliffe donor-advised fund (DAF) is unique because it's managed by Wycliffe Foundation but grants are recommended by the donor. This is how it works: You make a financial gift of cash or appreciated assets to establish your fund, and as you select the grantees, you advise the Foundation where you would like the funds to be granted.

Wycliffe donors like Steve and Judy Van Rooy love the time and flexibility a donor-advised fund offers them as they prayerfully make donation decisions. Steve and Judy each grew up in missionary families and, once they got married, the couple spent 25 years as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators and serving with the International Linguistics Center (ILC). The Van Rooys served overseas in Sudan and Kenya as well as stateside in Dallas, Texas. After Steve and Judy left ILC, they transitioned into a property management and real estate investment business. Although Steve and Judy were no longer vocational missionaries, their hearts were still invested in the work of Bible translation.

Steve said: "There are a lot of great organizations doing good work, but [Judy and I] believe there is nothing more important than people understanding God's Word in their heart language." In order to strategically support translation projects across the world, the Van Rooys set up a DAF with Wycliffe Foundation.

They called the Foundation and arranged a time to meet with a Senior Gift Planning Advisor in person. At the meeting, the advisor was able to share about planned gifts and DAFs. Steve and Judy appreciated never feeling pressured on how or when to make grants from their DAF. They've also enjoyed the freedom of being able to pray, strategize and give as the Holy Spirit leads them.

Another nice feature about donor-advised funds is that you can allow your family members to "advise" how the DAF funds are granted to Wycliffe or other nonprofits, educational institutions or ministries. This enables your family to carry on your legacy of supporting Bible translation and other causes that matter to you. The Van Rooys appreciate this aspect of the DAF because it provides them a way to leave a God-honoring legacy while continuing to teach generational generosity to their children and grandchildren.

If you would like more information regarding donor-advised funds, please contact the Wycliffe Foundation at 877-493-3600 or email us at [email protected]