How to Create a DAF Strategy

I had a phone call with Paul Nazareth the other day, and we discussed an alarming trend.

Charity leaders are approaching us to create a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) strategy for them, thinking it will bring in NEW donors. 😬

I have a harsh truth to share.

❌ There are no DAF donors eagerly refreshing their inbox thinking:

“If only a charity would take a gift from my DAF! I just don’t know what to do with all this money sitting in my account.”

✅ A DAF strategy is about getting larger gifts from your existing supporters.

Chances are some of your donors who give small cash gifts have DAFs worth thousands - and you’re not tapping into them.

Why?

You’re playing small.

👉 If the largest gift you're promoting for donors to give is $250, your DAF donor doesn’t know if - and how - their larger gift will make a difference.

And you’re not communicating that you accept DAF gifts online and in your fundraising campaigns.

I once worked with a charity who had a large fundraising campaign they were promoting through their email list. We had a donor call and ask if her DAF gift would count towards our campaign goal.

Yikes!

It got us thinking - how many DAF donors are unsure and not bothering to call?

After, we wrote a small note about accepting gifts from private giving funds in every fundraising communication - and received more as a result. ✨

✅ So before you rush to get new donors, find the hidden major gifts in your existing database with a DAF strategy.

And you can still invest in acquiring new donors - but that’s the job of a marketing or annual giving specialist - not a DAF strategy.

Planned Giving is NOT About Death!