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Gifts That Make an Impact Now

If you would like to support the youngest members of our community today, consider the giving options below - many of which have financial and personal benefits to you!

  • At Whatcom Center for Early Learning, our Changemakers are a community of passionate monthly donors who believe every child deserves the best possible start. By giving consistently at any level, you help ensure local families have access to free and low-cost early support services that nurture growth, resilience, and joy. 

    When you become a Changemaker, you’re not just giving. You’re creating brighter futures, one month at a time. Plus, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks, insider updates, and invitations to special events that celebrate your impact. Find out more about our monthly giving program benefit tiers here.

  • You can use stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that have appreciated in value to support our shared vision. When you make a gift of appreciated securities to Seattle Children’s, you may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value (up to a maximum of 30% of your adjusted gross income) and avoid paying the capital gains tax on the increase in the value. 

    Please contact finance@wcel.net for instructions on how to make a gift of appreciated securities.

  • You can use your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to support the youngest members of our community. Find out more about how to give from your Donor-Advised Fund here

  • Would you like to maximize the impact of your giving and encourage other supporters to mobilize on behalf of WCEL? Consider sponsoring a matching gift challenge. Donate a pool of funds to WCEL with the purpose of matching other supporters’ donations within a given period of time. In this way, you can inspire others to join you in supporting our lifesaving care and double the impact of your giving.

  • When you give a memorial or tribute gift for WCEL to honor someone special, you’re expressing your love, admiration, and gratitude in one of the most meaningful ways there is. Your gift will honor your loved one, create a lasting tribute, and provide essential care to children who need it most. Make your memorial or tribute gift here.

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is like a charitable investment account that is set up for the sole purpose of supporting charities. Individuals can contribute cash, stocks, or other assets into the DAF and receive an immediate tax deduction. Those funds are invested for tax-free growth and the individual can recommend donations to charities of their choice over time.

Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle because they are the easiest, and most tax-savvy way to give to charities like WCEL.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund?


How does a donor-advised fund work?

  1. To establish the fund, an individual makes an irrevocable tax-deductible contribution (cash, stock, real estate, etc.) to a sponsoring organization, community foundation or financial institution. Individuals receive a tax receipt and tax benefits when funds are deposited into their DAF.

  2. The DAF sponsoring organization oversees those funds as they grow tax free. 

  3. The assets within the fund now legally belong to the sponsoring organization but the DAF account holder retains advisory privileges over disbursements made from the DAF in addition to the investment strategy.

  4. DAF account holders can recommend single or recurring donations to charitable organizations. Funds in a DAF can only be used to support organizations that are tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and classified as public charities under 509(a).

  5. Once the DAF sponsoring organization approves, the recommended donation is made to the qualified charitable organization, such as WCEL.

Our Team is Here to Help!

Have questions or ready to get started? Fill out the form below and a member from our team will contact you.

The content found on this site is general in nature and intended to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon as legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice. To determine how a gift or estate planning decision might affect your particular circumstances, it is expressly recommended that you consult an attorney, financial advisor or other qualified professional.

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Gifts That Reduce Your Taxes