Celebrating 20 Years of Prism the Gift Fund: How We Raised Over $1 Billion for Charity

Photo by @ulablocksageblocksage

Back in 2005, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) were virtually unknown to most UK-based philanthropists, advisors, and even charity professionals.  The mission was clear: to increase the flow of funds into the charitable sector by offering High Net Worth clients a tax-efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective giving vehicle delivered through a bespoke, entrepreneurial and responsive approach. 

Nearly 20 years on, Prism has grown into one of the UK’s leading DAF providers, having raised over $1 billion for charitable causes, distributed over $600 million and holding a further $500 million in assets under administration with funds invested across over 40 investment managers. 

Philanthropy has become a key component in private client relationships, reflecting a growing desire among High Net Worth Individuals to align wealth with purpose. By integrating philanthropy into wealth planning, advisors can align their clients' values and long-term legacy goals supporting them in making a lasting impact on causes they care about most. 

This month, Prism celebrated 20 years of shaping the future of giving at its’ summer Gala hosted at Christies and welcoming over 300 guests from philanthropists, private client intermediaries and beneficiaries. The evening was a reflection not just on the funds it has facilitated, but on the millions of lives touched through thousands of grants, causes, and communities supported by its clients' generosity. You can read more on the evening here.  

The evening was also an opportunity to launch two exciting new services that showcase the expansion of Prism’s international offering.  

The Next Chapter of Impact: Dual Giving Structure and Cross Border Giving  

As we celebrate 20 years of impact, Prism continues to evolve and respond to the changing global landscape. Prism launched two new offerings at its anniversary gala, generously hosted by Christie’s. The first, was the Dual Qualified Structure which allows individuals who pay tax in the UK and US to make a single charitable donation that qualifies for tax relief in both jurisdictions. The second, was its Cross Border Giving offering which connects philanthropists to charities all over the world through the Myriad Alliance.  You can read more here: Prism Expands International Offering - Prism The Gift Fund 

What is a Donor Advised Fund? Making Giving Easy for Major Donors  

Prism's model is simple but powerful. We specialise in private client philanthropy, supporting High Net Worth Individuals, families, and corporates to make significant charitable gifts—without the complexity or cost of setting up a registered charity—while maximising available tax benefits. We handle all the administration, governance and compliance, so our clients can focus on the joy of giving.  

By partnering with financial service providers, Prism integrates philanthropic planning into broader wealth management, enabling advisers to offer a more comprehensive service while increasing funding to the charitable sector through efficient giving.  

Prism is cause-agnostic, with donors supporting everything from humanitarian relief to arts and culture, supporting giving models like social finance and experimental scientific research. Prism has seen how bold philanthropy can change lives—and we make that process simpler for the people funding it. 

Prism’s entrepreneurial nature allows it to accept a wide range of assets, including cash, shares, crypto, art, and property, breaking down barriers to significant giving and helping more capital flow into the charitable sector. 

Innovation in Action: Collective Funds  

In 2015, Prism launched its Collective Fund model in response to a range of urgent needs – from supporting a bereaved employee’s family, to enabling the UN World Food Programme to raise funds ahead of the Rugby World Cup.  At a time when emergency response efforts needed to launch immediately—and there was little time to navigate the Charity Commission or establish a new entity—Prism offered a solution that enabled fundraising to start right away. 

Prism is the only DAF provider in the UK that offers the Collective Fund model which allows groups to raise money for specific charitable causes without the hassle of registering as their own charity. The Collective Fund service offers a quick, compliant and effective fundraising vehicle and has supported over 220 entities since inception. 

Shaping the Future of Giving: Simple Straightforward Giving 

Philanthropic giving, especially from High Net Worth Individuals is a crucial part of the charity funding eco-system. Prism is proud to work alongside the innovators, change-makers, and donors shaping the future of giving.