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How to Open a Renaissance Charitable DAF

A simple guide to getting started with a Renaissance Charitable donor-advised fund. Wondering if you already have a Ren DAF at your firm?

Account Setup Process

  1. Open Investment Account
  2. Submit the Online DAF Application
  3. Docusign the DAF Application
  4. Login and Create Your Password
  5. Send Proof of Funding
  6. Account Ready for Granting
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Start your Donor-Advised Fund

Before you begin

  • Provide your client with the RCF DAF Program Circular
  • The primary financial advisor should review the Investment Policy Statement
  • For all investment account documentation, Renaissance Charitable Foundation (RCF), not the donor, must be listed as the account owner.
  • Your firm may require you to be licensed in Indiana to proceed. Check with your compliance department before getting started.

Step 1: Open Investment Account

  • Send the investment paperwork for e-signatures to the below recipients, ensure the areas that need signature are highlighted:
  • Important Notes:
    • Contact numbers listed for text confirmation of e-signatures ONLY 
    • Ensure investment paperwork is filled out with correct information before sending to avoid delays.
  • Establish the RCF-owned investment account after signed paperwork is returned.
  • If necessary, download RCF’s Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Resolution and other legal documents. 

Do NOT move forward to step 2 until the investment account is fully open with the account number and signed paperwork.

Step 2: Submit the Online DAF Application

You’ll need the primary financial advisor’s CRD number and the investment account number to complete this step.

  • New Advisor: Start the application here
  • Existing Advisor: please log-in to your account and select ‘Add an Account’

Step 3: Docusign the DAF Application

Check your inbox for a DocuSign request from DAFappSupport@reninc.com with the Subject Line Sign Your DAF Application. The email goes to the primary advisor and donor(s) listed on the application only.

Step 4: Login and Create Your Password

  • New Advisors and Your Client: You and your client will receive a welcome email from do_not_reply@reninc.com containing a link to complete your credentials. Use it to log in and set your permanent credentials within 48 hours. If you or your client missed this window, go to rcf.donorfirstx.com, select Log In and then click Create or Reset Password.
  • Existing Advisor: You will find the new account under Account Listing in the Donor Portal.

Note: The account will have $0 balance until the next step is complete, please wait to recommend a grant until the balance appears.

Step 5: Send Proof of Funding

  • Once the investment account is funded, please submit the proof of funding in the Donor Portal via the account details page.  
  • You will need to upload either a screenshot of the account activity/transactions OR an account statement PDF that shows the below.  Summary and positions screenshots are not accepted. 
    • Investment Account number  
    • Asset Type  
    • Number of shares / cash amount  
    • Asset Name  
    • Date of initial funding 
  • If you made multiple contributions to meet the minimum initial balance, your screenshot must capture all of them. 

Step 6: Account Ready for Granting

Once Ren does a final review, the account will be placed in grant ready status.

Please Note: Once your grant has been submitted and passed vetting, an invoice will be available in the Donor Portal under DAF Insights, where you will find instructions on how to fund your grant.

How to transfer an existing DAF account

You can easily transfer funds from another DAF to RCF in three simple steps:

  • Once the application is complete and investment account opened, enter an Account Closing Grant request from the existing DAF provider.
  • Please enter the Account Closing Grant with the following details:
    • Nonprofit Name: Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc.
    • EIN/Tax ID: 35-2129262
    • Address: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1222, Indianapolis, IN 46240
    • Purpose/Designation: Name of DAF with RCF and investment account number
  • RCF will confirm receipt of funds and complete the account setup.
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Need Assistance?

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