Make the Most of DAF Giving
Donor-advised funds are one of the fastest-growing ways people give—and nonprofits have a real opportunity to engage donors strategically.
We’ve put together 8 practical tips to help your organization make the most of DAF giving to build lasting impact:
1. Think Beyond Campaigns
If direct campaign revenue looks down, zoom out. Donors may simply be shifting how they give—using DAFs instead of credit cards or checks. Track DAF giving trends alongside other revenue to see the full picture of generosity supporting your mission.
2. Leverage Seasonal Patterns
DAF giving spikes when donors are thinking about taxes—especially in Q4 and early spring. While it’s smart to reference DAF giving throughout the year, time your dedicated initiatives around these moments with reminders that DAF gifts can help them give smarter while supporting urgent needs.
3. Make It Easy to Give
Feature your DAF giving info prominently on your site, ideally near your main donation page. Include your organization’s legal name, EIN, and clear directions to ensure gifts get where they’re meant to go.
4. Educate Your Team
Everyone who touches donors should understand how DAFs work—from relationship managers, to gift officers, to donor services staff. Equip them with a simple FAQ so they can confidently help donors initiate a DAF gift or answer common questions.
5. Offer and Inform
Don’t assume donors know they can give through a DAF—many have one but rarely use it! Include DAF giving as an option in your appeals and on your giving pages. Let donors know they can even set up recurring gifts through their fund for ongoing support.
6. Find and Thank Them
DAF gifts often arrive without donor contact info—but don’t let them stay anonymous if you can help it. It’s worth taking the time to identify the giver behind the fund. An acknowledgement and thoughtful follow-up can turn a one-time DAF grant into lasting loyalty.
7. Track and Segment
Add a DAF tag or flag in your CRM. Over time, you’ll see trends: who gives this way, average gift size, and retention rates. These insights help refine stewardship and approach—DAF donors are often highly loyal and capable of larger future giving.
8. Promote Impact Stories
Bring DAF giving to life with stories. Feature testimonials from donors who choose to give that way or projects funded through DAF gifts to highlight how strategic giving creates long-term impact. Seeing social proof and results help donors connect to the mission and organizational work.
Connect with us here for even more insights on making the most of DAF giving!