Do Appreciate (Water)Falls… and DAFs!

How Donor-Advised Funds Provide a Steady Stream of Support for Conservation

A message from our Development Director Jenn Tutor

There’s something magical about standing near a waterfall.

Whether it’s the thundering force of a major cascade or the quiet trickle of a hidden spring, waterfalls remind us that even a constant, gentle flow can transform the landscape. Water shapes rock, nourishes life, and keeps ecosystems thriving.

At Conserving Carolina, we see Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) in a similar light—quiet, powerful streams of generosity that build over time and help shape a better future.

Giving through a DAF is a simple yet deeply impactful way to support conservation. Like a waterfall that keeps flowing season after season, DAFs provide a steady stream of support that allows us to protect land, restore habitats, and create places where people can connect with the natural world.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund?

A DAF is a charitable giving account you set up through a financial institution or community foundation. You can make contributions to the fund at any time, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits like Conserving Carolina whenever you’re ready. It’s a flexible, efficient, and intentional way to give.

If you’re interested in working with a local partner to manage your giving, Polk County Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Henderson County, and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina are excellent options to establish a DAF with a local focus.

Important Note:
DAFs cannot be used to pay for goods or services, including event tickets or event sponsorships. They are intended solely for charitable donations and cannot be used in exchange for any personal benefit.

Why DAFs Matter (Almost as Much as Waterfalls!)

Just like the waterfalls across our region bring beauty and vitality to the land, your DAF grants help fuel meaningful, long-term conservation. Here’s why giving through a DAF is so impactful:

• Flexibility: Contribute when it’s best for you, and grant on your own timeline.

• Tax Benefits: Receive an immediate tax deduction for your donation.

• Sustainable Support: Help us plan for the future with a consistent source of funding.

• Efficiency: Reduce administrative work while maximizing your impact.

Waterfalls to Visit This Summer to Keep Cool

Looking for a refreshing adventure this summer? Here are a few breathtaking waterfalls you can visit—many of which were protected in part thanks to supporters like you:

Connestee Falls Park – Just minutes from downtown Brevard, this park offers easy access to one of the only pair of side-by-side waterfalls in the eastern U.S.—a beautiful sight where Batson and Carson creeks plunge in parallel. Conserving Carolina played a key role in protecting this site and opening it to the public.

DuPont State Recreational Forest – Home to some of the most iconic waterfalls in the region, including Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. This beloved destination has been protected through years of dedicated conservation work, including major contributions from Conserving Carolina and our partners.

Bell Park – Bell Park offers a quiet, shaded walk to a serene waterfall surrounded by lush forest. Conserving Carolina worked with the Henderson County and other partners to protect this park, preserving both natural beauty and public access.

So this summer, as you plan your hikes and waterfall adventures, remember to appreciate the quiet, powerful work of nature—and how your steady generosity can do the same. Whether it’s a trail at DuPont or a tranquil moment at Connestee Falls, these places exist because of people like you.

Do appreciate waterfalls… and DAFs. They’re both beautiful, life-giving forces.

If you have any questions or would like help making a DAF gift, contact me at jenn@conservingcarolina.org or 828-697-5777, ext. 209. I would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Tags: Henderson County, Polk County, Transylvania County