How the Rich Use Philanthropy to Dodge Taxes
Law professor Ray Madoff’s new book, “The Second Estate,” argues that philanthropy is part of a playbook that the ultra-wealthy use to avoid taxes.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
A strategic reserve fund mobilizes money and appeals to entrepreneurial donors. Is it the right solution for your nonprofit?
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Advice
Advice for a GivingTuesday-Like Blitz to Boost DAF Gifts
October 9 will mark the second annual DAF Day. Nonprofits share how they plan to make the most of the day — and kick off year-end DAF appeals.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Crypto-Philanthropy and Donor-Advised Funds Are Not Immune to Problems. Here Are Some Red Flags.
Due diligence is key for donors giving through new philanthropic vehicles.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Reporter
Donors Say They Were Ghosted by a $10 Billion DAF
The SDG Impact Fund is under investigation, and a half dozen donors say the money they entrusted to the fund — to support charitable activities related to the U.N. Sustainability Goals — has not been put to its intended use.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Reporter
Why Big Gifts Dropped in 2025 and Will Soon Rise
Tax-code changes and other political and economic forces are causing some ultra-wealthy donors to wait until the end of the year or to give quietly.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Reporter
The Tax Law’s Big Win for Charities Makes DAF Giving Trickier
It may slow everyday donors’ adoption of DAFs — and lead some DAF donors to alternate between itemizing their taxes and taking the standard deduction.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Is the Giving Pledge Living Up to Its Potential?
Only 13 percent of U.S. billionaires have signed the Giving Pledge, and almost 80 percent of the original signers’ gifts have gone toward their foundations.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Reporter
GoFundMe Enters the DAF Game: What It Means for Everyday Giving
A new offering by the well-known brand could be a rising tide that lifts all DAFs, observers say.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
The DAF Ask That Led Donors to Double Their Gifts
When supporters were persuaded to give using their donor-advised fund, they gave the same or more 85 percent of the time, new research finds.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Depression Research Gets Big Boost From Steel Magnate’s $40 Million Gift
Plus, Amway heirs gave $20 million to Northwood University, medical students in Ellsworth, Kan., will benefit from a $15 million donation, and a $10 million gift will support budding lawyers pursuing public service careers.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Reporter
MIT and Other Institutions to Share $90 Million Gift
Plus, construction projects at three universities attracted more than $35 million from private donors, and nursing students at an HBCU will benefit from a $1 million windfall.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Reporter
4 Strategies Fundraisers Can Use to Boost DAF Donations
One piece of advice: Tap into your inner Nancy Drew.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
How Big Are Donor-Advised Fund Accounts? New Report Reassesses Data
Separating DAF sponsors that administer mass donations — say, workplace giving programs — from national sponsors like Fidelity Charitable or Schwab led to very different average account sizes and payout rates.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
7 Smart Tips to Reach DAF Donors — and Raise More
Make it easy for these valuable supporters to give, and more advice from experts.
By David L. Wheeler
Contributor
Want to Connect With DAF Donors? New Research Offers Insights
Among the findings: DAF donors give in multiple ways, and they’re promising prospects to make planned gifts.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising