Giving with Purpose: A Donor and Advisor's Perspective on Donor-Advised Funds

For more than 35 years, Mark Bull has helped individuals and families plan for their financial futures.

Throughout his career, he's learned that some of the most meaningful conversations aren't just about investments or retirement planning. They're about legacy.

"Philanthropy is very important in my life," says Mark. "Having spent 35 years in the financial services business, I have been very fortunate. My family has benefited as well, and we all recognize that fact."

That gratitude has inspired both personal and corporate giving, supporting organizations that help address needs throughout the community.

"I recognize that not everybody is in the same boat," he says. "There is a lot of need in our communities, so charitable giving is very important to me, my family and my situation."

As both a donor and a financial advisor, Mark has found Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to be a powerful tool for transforming charitable intent into meaningful impact.

One of the features he appreciates most is flexibility.

"When I contribute to a Donor-Advised Fund, I receive the tax receipt immediately, but I don't have to decide right away where the money will go," he explains. "It provides time to research organizations, learn about their needs, and be intentional about where I direct my charitable giving."

That flexibility allows him to support causes he already cares about while also exploring new opportunities to make a difference.

For Mark, one organization that continues to stand out is Lakeridge Health Foundation.

As a member of the Foundation's Planned Giving & Endowment Committee and a longtime Durham Region resident, he has seen firsthand the critical role local health care plays in the lives of families across the community.

"Having raised a family in Durham for more than 30 years, I've seen how important the healthcare system is to families much like my own," he says. "The great work that Lakeridge Health does, the advances in cancer care, and the growing needs in our community make supporting health care an easy decision."

In addition to annual gifts, Mark has included Lakeridge Health Foundation in his estate plans, helping ensure future generations will continue to benefit from exceptional care close to home.

His perspective as a financial advisor has also given him a unique understanding of how DAFs can help donors make a greater impact.

"I often describe a Donor-Advised Fund as a charitable giving account," he says. "It allows donors to organize their charitable giving in one place and direct support to multiple charities over time."

Mark notes that one of the advantages of a Donor-Advised Fund is its simplicity. Unlike a private foundation, the administration is handled by the charitable organization operating the fund, allowing donors to focus on the causes they want to support.

"It makes the whole experience much easier," Mark says. "You can take your time, involve your family, consult with your advisors, and make thoughtful decisions about where your support will have the greatest impact."

He believes those conversations are an important part of financial and estate planning.

"I always encourage people to consider philanthropy as part of their estate plan and to be strategic about it," he says. "A Donor-Advised Fund can help you direct assets to the causes that matter to you while creating a meaningful charitable legacy."

For donors considering how they can support the causes they care about, Mark encourages them to think broadly about their charitable giving options, including cash, investments, registered retirement assets, and life insurance.

Most importantly, he hopes people recognize that charitable giving is an opportunity to shape the future of the organizations and communities they care about.

For Mark and his family, that includes ensuring health care remains strong for generations to come.

"As someone who has benefited from living and raising a family in Durham Region, I would encourage everyone who has benefited from health care in our community to support Lakeridge Health Foundation."

This DAF Day, we're grateful to donors like Mark who are helping to build a healthier future for Durham Region through thoughtful, intentional philanthropy.