Delaware Incorporation
In April, the Charities Aid Foundation is officially incorporated in the State of Delaware as a non-profit limited liability corporation.
IRS Determination
In April, CAF America is issued an IRS determination letter, recognizing the organization as a tax-exempt public charity.
A Name Change
CAF renews its Delaware registration, officially changing its name to “Charities Aid Foundation America”.
Open for Business
CAF America registers with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s State Corporation Commission as a non-profit corporation doing business in Virginia.
1999
CAF America’s first subsidiary, Southampton Row Trust Limited (trading as the CAF American Donor Fund) is established as a dual US-UK registered charity to serve philanthropists with dual tax liabilities.
Augmented Regulatory Environment
In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the regulations surrounding international charitable donations become broader, and scrutiny of these transactions become much more intense. For CAF America, the tightening noose of regulatory compliance is a chance to demonstrate the organization’s expertise, and the burden is turned into an opportunity to expand and deepen its knowledge of the augmented regulatory environment.
Susan Saxon-Harold’s Leadership
Susan-Saxon Harold is hired as President and CEO, serving from 2002–2011. It is under Susan’s leadership that CAF America becomes known for its knowledge of international regulations surrounding charitable giving, including investment in a grantmaking database and global vetting services.
Pension Protection Act
Pension Protection Act passes, which includes the first statutory definition of a Donor-Advised Fund.
Ted Hart Becomes CEO
In March, Ted Hart is hired as CEO. Under his leadership, CAF America begins to implement its organizational paradigm for success, the “Three Rs” of regulatory compliance, reputation protection, and risk mitigation.
2013
In March, CAF America sponsors its first large national conference, the Grant Managers Network (GMN) conference, in St. Petersburg FL.
Partnering with Singapore
In June, CAF America sets its sights on the international scene through the launch of its first Asia Pacific Advisory partnership in Singapore.
CAF Canada Establishment
On February 13, 2014, CAF Canada is officially established, providing the same tax-advantaged, regulatory-compliant domestic and international program services that CAF America is recognized for to Canadian businesses and individuals. The first ever meeting of the CAF Canada Board of Directors is held in Toronto CA.
Rob Buchanan Becomes President
On March 7, Rob Buchanan becomes President of CAF America (the position’s title was later changed to “Chairman” in 2017, and the CEO became “President and CEO”).
The Helen Rinker Ashley Fund
On March 28, Ted Hart makes his first visit to Voditsa, Bulgaria to review projects funded by CAF America’s Helen Rinker Ashley Fund, a donor-advised fund created in the name of the daughter of two Bulgarian immigrants to the U.S. who bequeathed a portion of her estate to help improve the lives of people in her parents’ homeland.
Giving Back to the Community
CAF America establishes an employee benefit which encourages its employees to volunteer their time to local charities, and provides paid leave for them to engage in projects that benefit the community. CAF America honors the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance by painting and improving the Dunbar Alexandria Olympic Boys and Girls Club.
The First International Grantmaking Symposium (IGS)
In June, CAF America hosts its first International Grantmaking Symposium in Washington DC in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. The IGS is a forum for discussion about trends in domestic and cross-border philanthropy, and best practices and tools to ensure compliance with international and domestic laws.
Celebrating International Philanthropy
In January, CAF America hosts its first Annual “Celebration of International Philanthropy” event at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center at the Great Hall of China. The event is a way to celebrate the inspirational and important work that donors and charity partners are doing to make the world a better place.
Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are launched on January 1, setting ambitious targets for global development across 17 issue areas. CAF America commits to recording the alignment of our grantees and grants with this SDG framework.
Awards Gala
In January, for the second annual “Celebration of International Philanthropy” event, CAF America adds an awards gala, which recognizes a handful of industry leaders on their international philanthropic achievements. The first awardees are U.S. Trust and Medtronic.
Dedication in Bulgaria
In April, Ted Hart participates in the dedication of a clock tower in Voditsa, Bulgaria, which was paid for by a grant from the Helen K. Rinker Ashley Fund, a Legacy DAF stewarded by CAF America.
The 3rd International Grantmaking Symposium
In June, CAF America hosts its 3rd International Grantmaking Symposium in partnership with Tufts College of Civic Life, Tufts University.
“Together Gathering” Event
In August, CAF America hosts its first “Together Gathering,” bringing together our eligible charities in Hong Kong to learn more about what it means to be included in our global charity database.
Philanthropy in China
In August, CAF America signs an agreement in Shenzhen China committing CAF America and the China Global Philanthropy Institute to help develop philanthropy in China and to promote donor-advised funds throughout mainland China.
International Diaspora Giving Summit
In November, Board Chairman Rob Buchanan and CEO Ted Hart welcomes CAF Southern Africa CEO Gill Bates to CAF America HQ in Alexandria, and hosts the International Diaspora Giving Summit.
CAF America Publishes Its First Book
In June, CAF America publishes its first book “Cross-Border Giving: A Legal and Practical Guide”. The book is intended for international philanthropy professionals, but is relevant to any person or organization working across borders.
GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency
In July, CAF America achieves the Platinum Seal of Transparency with GuideStar. This is the Highest Level of Recognition offered by guidestar.org, a compendium of information about nonprofits.
A Logo Refresh
In May, CAF International adjusts its branding to include new logos with a cleaner and more modern look.
Growth Contributions
In March, CAF America celebrates crossing the $100 million contributions threshold for the first time in its history.
Visiting South Africa
In November, Ted Hart visits CAF South Africa in Johannesburg, and also has a private meeting with South African writer and activist icon Elinor Sisulu, wife of Max Sisulu.
Australian Bushfire Relief
CAF America creates the Australian Bushfire Relief Fund to accept donations in support of organizations responding to the early 2020 wildfire crisis across Australia’s Eastern Coastal Areas. Donors contribute more than $3 million to relief efforts. This paves the way for its work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic only months later.
Donor Response Grants
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world. CAF America’s donors respond with remarkable generosity, funding more than $60 million in response grants to charities around the world.
Contributions in Succession
CAF America reaches a number of contribution milestones in quick succession. On April 3, CAF America crosses the $150 million contributions threshold for the first time in its history, and just five days later, on April 8, it crosses the $200 million contributions threshold. Twenty-two days later, on April 30, the $250 million contribution threshold is crossed.
Lebanese Red Cross Partnership
In August 2020, CAF America partnered with the Lebanese Red Cross to raise money to provide humanitarian relief following a devastating explosion impacting over 300,000 people.
2021
CAF America quickly exceeds contribution thresholds of $300 million on January 14, $350 million a month later, and $400 million on March 18.
Hope for Haiti Partnership
In August, CAF America partnered with Hope for Haiti to raise funds to provide medical and humanitarian relief following a massive earthquake.
Char Mollison Becomes Board Chair
In May, Char Mollison becomes Board Chair. A total of 85 employees and associated professionals and 9 Board of Directors members help keep CAF America providing solutions for donor clients and charity partners the world over.
