Giving Season 2025

Commonly Asked Questions

This FAQ reflects the most commonly asked questions currently arriving to our service queues. We are updating this document regularly. Current version updated 12/29.

1. Why isn’t my Donor-Advised Fund showing up online yet?
2. I’m a financial advisor; I can’t login.
3. When will the donor receive login credentials?
4. Where is my grant?
5. Should I be worried if my DAF isn’t showing up online yet?
6. I want to recommend a grant, but my account isn’t open yet. What if I don’t get access before year-end?
7. Can I do anything to help my favorite charities receive grants faster?
8. What is the deadline to open an account?
9. I submitted an application. Where do I get login credentials so I can transfer funds before year-end?
10. Information for charities

1. Why isn’t my Donor-Advised Fund showing up online yet?

Due to the rising popularity of DAFs, our teams are processing a high volume of new accounts and are working as quickly as possible to review applications and open accounts.

If you’ve already submitted your application, please go ahead and make your contribution. For tax purposes, what matters is when the contribution is received, not when the account appears online. 

Our team will reach out if any additional information is needed. 

2. I’m a financial advisor; I can’t login. 

For most programs, you will receive your login credentials after the account is open. Please go ahead and contribute, as you do not need to login to make a contribution. 

For Morgan Stanley GIFT:

• You must login through 3D, as we’ve updated our systems for a better, more secure experience. 
• Please open the branch account and made your contribution, even before you see your client’s account appear in the Giving Platform (Donor Portal)

3. When will the donor receive login credentials?

For most programs, donors receive login credentials after the account is opened and funded. 

For Morgan Stanley GIFT:

• Donors will not receive separate login credentials.
• Donors must access their DAF through Morgan Stanley Online (MSO) for a more seamless and secure experience.

4. Where is my grant?

To check the status of a grant, please log in to The Giving Platform (Donor Portal). Grant status is displayed directly on the homepage.

During Giving Season, grants are typically processed within approximately 10 business days. This is the same information our service team has access to, so there is no need to call for an update.

5. Should I be worried if my DAF isn’t showing up online yet?

No. If your application has been submitted and your contribution is received by December 31, your charitable deduction is secure for the 2025 tax year — even if you do not yet see the account online.

6. I want to recommend a grant, but my account isn’t open yet. What if I don’t get access before year-end?

Grant timing does not affect your tax deduction. Charitable deductions are based on when funds are contributed into the DAF, not when grants are made.

Some charities may promote December 31 deadlines for direct gifts, but those deadlines do not apply to DAF grants. A charity will be just as happy to receive your grant in early January as on December 31. One of the benefits of a DAF is the flexibility to separate tax planning from grantmaking.

7. Can I do anything to help my favorite charities receive grants faster?

Yes. You can encourage your preferred charities to:

• Register for Ren for Charities
• Enroll to receive grants via ACH, which is the fastest delivery method

Learn more here.

8. What is the deadline to open an account?

Account opening deadlines vary by program. For most Ren-powered programs:

• December 19 is the final date to submit an application
• Our teams will continue working through year-end to open as many accounts as possible

The most important date to remember:

• Contributions must be received on or before December 31 to count for the 2025 tax year

9. I submitted an application. Where do I get login credentials so I can transfer funds before year-end?

You do not need login credentials to submit your contribution.

If you have submitted a new application, you may transfer funds at any time before December 31, even if the account has not yet been opened. Login credentials will be shared as soon as they are available, and our team will contact you within the next few business days if there are any questions about your application.

For Charities:

1. Who sent this grant?

The donor’s name appears on page two or three of the grant letter, unless the donor chose to give anonymously.

If the grant was sent anonymously, donor information will not be available. This reflects the donor’s preference, and we are unable to share additional details.

2. Can I reach out to say thank you?

Unfortunately, if the donor did not provide the information this was intentional. If they wanted you to have their information, it will appear on the second or third page of the letter you received.