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
Looking for DAF Donors? Here Are 4 Keys to St. Jude’s Success
The fundraising powerhouse uses every opportunity to let people know it accepts gifts from DAFs, and it tracks data carefully so it can make tailored appeals.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Philanthropy’s 2025 Buzzwords: Concerns About Power Will Dominate the Nonprofit World
From “accelerationism” to “weaponize,” this year’s words reflect who has influence over the people nonprofits serve and the field as a whole.
By Lucy Bernholz
Contributor
Next for DAFs? Accounts as Tools for Regular Folks, Not Just the Wealthy
Donor-advised fund providers aim to make their products as commonplace as college savings and retirement accounts.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Understanding and Tapping Into Donor-Advised Funds
These accounts have become the preferred giving vehicle for many donors. Use this collection of articles and other resources to learn how to connect with those who hold DAFs.
Article on DAFs’ Problems Was Spot On. My Experience Is Proof
The DAF system is broken, says one reader, but a simple fix could help ensure the funds go where they’re needed most.
DAFs, Wall Street, and the Changing Culture of Giving
Altruism is losing ground to greed and self-interest as donations increasingly get structured as personal investments, a new report argues.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
DAF Assets: $250 Billion, and Counting
While the amount held in DAFs hit new highs, both contributions to the funds and the amount of money awarded from them fell in 2023, according to a new report.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Joel Fleishman’s Vision for Philanthropy Should Inspire Us All
A cheerleader for the foundation model, Fleishman understood what philanthropy could accomplish when done right.
By Yossi Prager
Contributor
Why Your DAF Donor May Not Be Anonymous After All
Charities aren’t getting the information donors want them to have thanks to less-than-clear digital interfaces, mistakes, and confusion in the development office.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Getting Anonymous DAF Donations? 7 Things to Do
Fundraisers and experts share their secrets for relationships with mystery donors.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Gifts From DAFs Are Nearly 10% of All Giving. How Nonprofits Are Trying to Court Those Donors
DAFs remain controversial, but their size and influence continue to grow. Gifts from the accounts totaled $52 billion in 2022.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Campus Protests, Donor Secrecy, and a Moment for Reform
The right’s politicized calls to “follow the money” speak to a very real need for donor transparency and nonprofit oversight.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
Where Tech, Politics and Giving Meet: Silicon Valley’s Busy Intersection
The Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s CEO, Nicole Taylor, talks about getting donors to give from their DAFs, the effects of the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action at colleges, and more.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press