Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are one of the fastest-growing philanthropic vehicles in the U.S., and they play an increasingly critical role in nonprofit fundraising—especially at year-end.
So, how can your organization make the most of this opportunity? Here are five practical strategies you can put in place right now to encourage more DAF gifts before December 31.
1. Educate Your Donors About DAF Giving
A surprising number of people with donor-advised funds don’t realize they can support your organization through their accounts. Make DAF education a consistent part of your year-end communications strategy. Add simple reminders in appeals, newsletters, and on your website such as: “Have a donor-advised fund? You can recommend a gift to [Your Nonprofit] directly from your DAF.”
Quick tip:
Include this messaging in both digital and print pieces so you can meet donors where they prefer to engage with your organization. Cast a wider net for the audience. Don’t restrict DAF messaging to your top-tier donors. Include DAF options in your appeals to smaller giving segments. Converting even modest donors can lead to significant increases in annual giving and donor loyalty.
2. Optimize Your Donation Page for DAF Gifts
Too often, nonprofits bury DAF information—or leave it off their giving pages entirely. If a donor has to hunt for instructions, you risk losing the gift.
Quick tip:
Add a prominent “Give Through Your Donor-Advised Fund” button or a widget on your main donation form. Treat DAF giving as a core donation pathway, not a side note.
3. Frame DAFs as a Strategic Year-End Giving Tool
Position DAF giving as a smart, low-stress way to give. Frame it as a tool to cut through the noise—for example, “Already set aside funds in your DAF? You can make your gift today—no credit cards, no checks, no hassle.”
Quick tip:
The key is to make DAF giving feel easy at this busy time of year. Remind donors that their charitable DAF dollars are already set aside. Now it’s just a matter of putting them to work.
4. Leverage Social Proof Through DAF Donor Stories
Stories are powerful tools in fundraising—and DAFs are no exception. Highlighting examples of how other supporters have used their DAFs to make an impact normalizes the behavior and helps donors see themselves doing the same.
Quick tip:
Feature a short testimonial in an email or blog post. Even something as simple as: “We recommended a gift through our DAF because it was the easiest way to make a difference for kids in our community” can move the needle.
5. Participate in National DAF Day, October 9th!
DAF Day is a growing national initiative designed to spotlight donor-advised funds and their potential for charitable impact. By participating, your nonprofit joins a collective effort to raise awareness and inspire action—just in time for year-end giving.
Quick tip:
Plan a multi-channel campaign around DAF Day. Send a dedicated email, post donor-friendly content on social media, and consider a short video from leadership inviting donors to recommend a DAF gift. The goal is to spark action with clear, timely reminders and personal outreach.
Donor-advised funds are here to stay—and they’re only growing.
By integrating DAF-friendly strategies into your year-end campaign, you’ll not only capture more immediate support but also build stronger relationships with donors who value flexibility and intentional philanthropy.