How to Use Your Donor Advised Fund to Protect Police K9s

If you have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), you already know the power of giving strategically. DAF accounts let you contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to qualified nonprofits over time — on your schedule, for causes you care about. Project Paws Alive (PPAK9) is a verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that qualifies for DAF grants from every major sponsoring organization. EIN: 46-0874586.

This guide explains exactly how to direct a DAF grant to PPAK9, why it matters, and what your gift does for working K9s across the United States.

What Is a Donor Advised Fund?

A Donor Advised Fund is a charitable giving account sponsored by a financial institution or community foundation — Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, National Philanthropic Trust, BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund, and hundreds of others. When you contribute cash, stock, or other assets to your DAF, you receive a tax deduction in that year. You then recommend grants to eligible nonprofits from your DAF balance at any time.

DAFs have become the fastest-growing form of charitable giving in the United States. In 2023, DAF accounts distributed more than $54 billion to nonprofits nationwide. If you have a DAF, using it to support Project Paws Alive is simple, tax-efficient, and immediately impactful.

Is Project Paws Alive Eligible for DAF Grants?

Yes. Project Paws Alive, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. Our EIN is 46-0874586. We hold GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency — the highest rating awarded to fewer than 1% of all U.S. nonprofits — confirming that your donated funds go exactly where intended. We appear as an eligible grantee in the search databases of all major DAF sponsoring organizations.

How to Make a DAF Grant to Project Paws Alive

The process takes less than five minutes:

1. Log into your DAF account. This is your portal at Fidelity Charitable (givewitffidelity.org), Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or whichever organization sponsors your fund.
2. Search for “Project Paws Alive” or enter our EIN directly: 46-0874586. EIN search is the most reliable method across all platforms.
3. Select the grant amount. There is no minimum required by PPAK9. Some DAF sponsors require a minimum grant of $50 or $250 — check your platform’s requirements.
4. Choose your fund and submit. Most platforms process DAF grants within 3–10 business days. We will receive the check or electronic transfer and apply it to K9 protective equipment immediately.

If your platform cannot locate “Project Paws Alive” by name, use our EIN: 46-0874586. If you need a formal verification letter, W-9, or any documentation for your fund, contact us at info@projectpawsalive.org or 770-710-1313 and we will provide it within one business day.

Mailing Address for DAF Checks

Project Paws Alive, Inc.
2095 Hwy 211 NW Suite 2-F, Box 273
Braselton, GA 30517
EIN: 46-0874586

What Does Your DAF Grant Fund?

Project Paws Alive provides K9 protective equipment at zero cost to law enforcement, fire, search and rescue, EMS, and military K9 units that cannot otherwise afford it. 92% of all K9 units in the United States operate solely on donations. Many handlers pay for their K9 partner’s safety equipment out of their own pockets.

Here is what your DAF grant funds by amount:

• $160 — One complete K9 NARCAN kit. Saves the life of a drug-detection K9 exposed to fentanyl during a narcotics operation.
• $435.99 — One K9 first aid field trauma kit. Provides emergency medical response for an injured working dog in the field.
• $1,400 — One custom-fit K9 ballistic protective vest. Cut from the same Kevlar as human body armor, custom-fitted to each individual dog.
• $3,000–$6,000 — One vehicle heat alarm system with “No K9 Left Behind” technology. Prevents heat stroke deaths when a K9 is left in a patrol vehicle.
• $5,000+ — A complete K9 equipment package: vest, first aid kit, NARCAN kit, and cooling vest for one K9 unit.

Over 400 law enforcement, fire, SAR, EMS, and military K9 agencies across all 50 states are currently on our waiting list for equipment they cannot afford. A single DAF grant can move an agency up the list and get life-saving gear to a dog in the field this year.

Why Give Through Your DAF Instead of Direct Donation?

DAF giving offers several advantages over a standard credit card donation:

• Tax efficiency. Your deduction was taken when you contributed to your DAF, so there are no additional tax implications when you recommend a grant.
• Stock and asset gifts. If you funded your DAF with appreciated stock, you avoided capital gains tax on the appreciation. Your full grant value goes to PPAK9 — more impact per dollar.
• Anonymous giving. Most DAF platforms allow you to grant anonymously if you prefer.
• No minimum wait. DAF grants can be recommended at any time — you don’t need to wait for a year-end giving season.

For Major DAF Grants ($10,000 and Above)

For significant grants, we encourage you to contact Karen Caprio, VP and Co-Founder, directly at 770-710-1313 or info@projectpawsalive.org. We can work with you to direct your gift to the greatest need — whether a specific agency or region, a specific type of equipment, or our general K9 equipment fund. We can also provide a written gift agreement, formal documentation, and a personal acknowledgment for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions — DAF Giving to PPAK9

Can I designate my DAF grant for a specific type of equipment?

Yes. You can add a note in the memo field of your DAF grant specifying “K9 ballistic vests,” “K9 first aid kits,” “NARCAN kits,” or another purpose. We honor all restrictions. For complex restricted gifts, contact us directly so we can confirm we can fulfill your intent before you submit.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my DAF grant?

Your DAF sponsor (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, etc.) provides your tax documentation — the deduction was taken when you contributed to your DAF, not when you recommend a grant. PPAK9 will send a written acknowledgment letter for your records confirming the gift was received and applied to K9 protective equipment.

How long does it take for PPAK9 to receive my DAF grant?

Most DAF grants process within 3–10 business days. Electronic grants (ACH) typically arrive within 3–5 days. Paper check grants take 5–10 business days by mail. We apply all grants to equipment procurement immediately upon receipt.

Is PPAK9 in my DAF platform’s database?

Project Paws Alive is eligible on all major DAF platforms. Search by name “Project Paws Alive” or by EIN 46-0874586. If you cannot locate us, contact us at 770-710-1313 and we will provide verification documentation for your platform within one business day.

Can my DAF grant be recurring?

Yes. Many DAF platforms allow you to set up recurring grant recommendations — monthly, quarterly, or annually. A recurring DAF grant ensures consistent funding for K9 equipment throughout the year. Contact your DAF sponsor to ask about recurring grant options.

Start Your DAF Grant Today

Project Paws Alive, Inc. | EIN: 46-0874586 | 501(c)(3) Public Charity
2095 Hwy 211 NW Suite 2-F, Box 273, Braselton, GA 30517
Phone: 770-710-1313 | Email: info@projectpawsalive.org
Website: www.projectpawsalive.org

Every DAF grant — regardless of size — directly protects a working K9 that protects your community. Founded in 2012. GuideStar Platinum. All-volunteer organization. 100% of grants fund K9 protective equipment.