Encouraging Gifts through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Why Promote DAF Giving?
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are one of the fastest-growing philanthropic vehicles in Canada, representing a significant share of charitable capital. DAFs enable donors to:
- Simplify tax planning
- Centralize their giving
- Support multiple charities from one fund
With these benefits in mind, and because DAFs have proven to be resilient even through economic downturns, inviting donors to give through DAFs is now a best practice for charities of all sizes.
How to Integrate DAF Giving Into Your Fundraising Cycle
Use the checklists and messaging below to ensure DAF donors are welcomed, acknowledged, and stewarded at every stage of engagement.
1) Include DAF Giving in All Appeals
- All direct mail appeals include a DAF giving option
- Online donation pages indicate “Give from your Donor Advised Fund”
- Email fundraising asks reference DAF giving language
- Social media fundraising posts include a DAF call-out
Sample Messaging: “Did you know you can support [Charity Name] directly from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)? It’s a simple, tax-effective way to recommend a gift.”
2) Add a DAF Option to Gift Forms
Printed Materials:
- Add a checkbox: ☐ I plan to recommend this gift from my DAF
- Include space for the donor to indicate their DAF provider
Online Forms:
- Add a “Give from your DAF?” toggle
- Include a field for DAF Provider Name
- Add optional text: “Please let us know if you need help recommending your gift.”
3) Train Your Team on DAF Conversations
Internal Talking Points:
- DAF gifts are treated like any other gift
- DAFs help donors give more strategically
- Many donors appreciate guidance on how to recommend a grant
Staff Training Checklist:
- Brief staff on what DAFs are
- Share scripts for stewardship calls
- Provide FAQ for front-line fundraisers
4) Steward DAF Donors Like Any Other
A DAF donor deserves the same acknowledgment and cultivation through the Victoria Foundation as any other donor. Stewardship opportunities include:
- Send a personalized thank-you for each DAF recommendation
- Include DAF donors in mailings and updates
- Invite DAF donors to events and impact briefings
- Report outcomes tied to the gift
Suggested Acknowledgment Language: “Thank you for recommending your DAF gift to [Charity Name]. Your support helps us [impact statement].”
Note: Some donors prefer to remain anonymous; however, the Victoria Foundation will forward your thank you letters, impact reports and event invitations. We do not forward any materials that include a solicitation of any kind.
5) Include DAFs in Your Legacy & Major Gift Strategy
DAF donors often give year-over-year and may be prospective major or legacy donors Strategy Prompts:
- Segment donors who gave via DAF in the last 12–24 months
- Include DAF donors in mailings and updates
- Include DAF giving in major gift prospecting
- Engage DAF donors early in campaign planning
Examples of DAF Messaging
- Elevator Pitch: “Donor Advised Funds are an easy, flexible way to support causes you care about. You can recommend a gift to [Charity Name] from your DAF anytime.”
- Impact Language: “Your DAF recommendation helps us [specific program impact]. Thank you for powering lasting change.”
Source: Some of the information in this tool was sourced by a blog post written by Sara Hoshooley, Founder of Charity Shift.
The full article can be found here: How Small Nonprofits Can Access Donor Advised Funds (DAF Day Recap) - Charity Shift