Celebrating 30 Years of CAF America

CAF America marks the 1-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with over $37 million granted to charities supporting Ukrainians in need. Our donors have funded 998 grants to 78 charities in 14 countries. This includes over $3.75 million in grants to charities incorporated in Ukraine itself. Over the past year Poland emerged as a hub for humanitarian action with over $10 million granted to 22 organizations, along with bordering countries such Bulgaria, Czechia, Austria, Romania, and Hungary receiving a total of $2,042,890 in the past year for supporting response and humanitarian efforts. Learn more here: https://www.cafamerica.org/one-year-after-the-invasion-of-ukraine/

CAF America celebrates our Sr. Director of Program Services Robynn Benner’s 10 years of service. Robynn joined the CAF America family in 2013 as a Grants Officer and transitioned to our CAF Canada operations full time in 2019. Her leadership and dedication have driven the organization’s growth, facilitating charitable support for causes via project work. She now oversees our CAF Canada Project Team, guiding Canadian philanthropists in global project funding and Project Agreement creation. Learn more about Robynn here: https://www.cafamerica.org/staff/robynn-benner/

The Board of Directors establishes the CAF America Philanthropy Committee.

CAF America held our seventh International Grantmaking Symposium (IGS) in a virtual setting, focused on the topic of grantmaking for disaster response and recovery. As we navigate an era marked by unprecedented challenges, the symposium stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. Over 40 of seasoned philanthropists and visionary leaders gather in this virtual space to share insights, strategies, and best practices.

In early 2022 CAFA welcomed Char Mollison as our new Board Chair. Char boasts an impressive career spanning over 35 years, distinguished by her adept management and advisory roles within nonprofit organizations. With a remarkable 17-year tenure at the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, she has been an influential figure in the realm of grantmaking and nonprofit collaboration.

Char’s extensive expertise extends to academia, as she has been a dedicated instructor of graduate courses in nonprofit management since 1997. As a Senior Fellow at George Mason University’s Center on Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Enterprise, she continues to shape the sector’s future through her guidance and teachings. Char’s impact also resonates globally, as she’s lent her insights to NGOs, government officials, and nonprofit leaders across diverse regions. From championing women’s rights at WEAL to her board service at Wise Giving Alliance and Partners of Tanzania’s Relief and Development, Char Mollison’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the nonprofit landscape. Read more about Char here: https://www.cafamerica.org/staff/char-mollison/

On April 28, 2023, CAF America proudly marks a historic milestone by surpassing the remarkable threshold of $650 million in contributions—a testament to our unwavering commitment to positive global impact. This achievement comes merely 12 months after reaching the $600 million mark, showcasing our continued dedication to fostering meaningful change on an even greater scale.

CAF America celebrates crossing the $600 million contributions threshold for the first time in its history.

CAF America commemorates a historic achievement—the surpassing of a monumental milestone: $500 million in contributions, a landmark moment in our journey of impact and philanthropy.

In August, CAF America partnered with Hope for Haiti to raise funds to provide medical and humanitarian relief following a massive earthquake.

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.

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.

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.

In May, CAF International adjusts its branding to include new logos with a cleaner and more modern look.

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.

In June, CAF America hosts its 3rd International Grantmaking Symposium in partnership with Tufts College of Civic Life, Tufts University.

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.

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.

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.

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”).

In June, CAF America sets its sights on the international scene through the launch of its first Asia Pacific Advisory partnership in Singapore.

In July, two U.S. citizens come to CAF America seeking to make a tax-deductible donation of international property. The transaction becomes known as “The Acapulco Donation.” CAF America finds a solution to this complex transaction, with mainstream media coverage establishing CAF America as recognized leader in global philanthropy.

Pension Protection Act passes, which includes the first statutory definition of a Donor-Advised Fund.

The USA PATRIOT Act, passed on October 26, 2001, creates a significant regulatory responsibility on international financial transactions.

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.

CAF renews its Delaware registration, officially changing its name to “Charities Aid Foundation America”.

In April, the Charities Aid Foundation is officially incorporated in the State of Delaware as a non-profit limited liability corporation.