The DAF Disconnect: Why Your Donor's Gift Might Arrive from Someone Else

DATE


Dec 05 2025 20:50

AUTHOR


Team Attolero

When the Check Doesn’t Match the Donor

 

You open the mail and find a generous donation addressed to your nonprofit. But instead of a familiar donor name, the check is from a foundation or fund you’ve never heard of. Is it a mistake? Who should you thank? And how should you record it?

 

This scenario is increasingly common as more donors choose to give through donor-advised funds (DAFs). If your team has been puzzled by this before, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll break down how DAFs work, why the donor’s name might not be on the check, and how nonprofits can respond with clarity and confidence.

 

What Is a Donor-Advised Fund?

 

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account offered by a sponsoring organization—often a public charity, financial institution, or nonprofit. Donors contribute to the fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to their favorite charities over time.

 

The key thing to know is that when a grant is made from a DAF, it comes from the sponsoring organization, not directly from the individual donor. That’s why the name on the check might say something like "XYZ Charitable Fund" or the name of the DAF sponsor, rather than "Jane Doe."

 

Why the Donor’s Name Might Not Appear

 

There are a few reasons why a donor's name might not appear clearly with a DAF grant:

 

  • Privacy preferences: Donors can choose to give anonymously or opt not to share personal details.
  • Fund naming: Many DAFs are named after families, causes, or custom titles like ‘The Giving Tree Fund’, rather than the individual.
  • Grant details: Sometimes, the donor includes a note or recommendation with the grant, but other times, the grant arrives with minimal information.

 

This can make it challenging for nonprofits to track and thank donors appropriately.

 

What Nonprofits Can Expect to Receive

 

When a DAF grant is issued, nonprofits typically receive:

 

  • A check or electronic transfer from the sponsoring organization
  • A letter or cover sheet with grant details
  • Possibly the donor’s name and contact info (depending on their preferences)

 

However, this varies. Some grants come with complete donor information and intent, while others include little more than the fund name.

 

How to Thank and Acknowledge the Gift

 

Even if the donor’s name isn’t obvious, it’s still important to acknowledge the gift. Here are a few best practices:

 

  • Send a thank-you to the DAF sponsor: They manage the grant and can pass along the acknowledgment to the donor.
  • Thank the fund name: For example, "Thank you to the Smith Family Fund for your generous gift."
  • Invite identification: Consider adding a note in your communications saying, "If you recommended this grant, please let us know so we can thank you personally."

 

The Rise of DAFs: A Trend Nonprofits Can’t Ignore

 

DAFs have grown significantly in popularity over the past decade. According to some estimates, grants from DAFs now account for nearly 10% of all charitable giving in the U.S. This trend is expected to continue, meaning more of your donors may choose to give this way. Understanding how to engage with DAF holders is no longer optional—it's essential.

How to Identify Donors Who Use DAFs

 

While DAF donors don’t always self-identify, there are some clues:

 

  • You receive a gift from a sponsoring organization like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or a community foundation
  • A donor gives through a named fund, but doesn’t appear in your CRM
  • You see repeat giving from fund names with slight variations

 

You can also look for opportunities to ask: in donor surveys, pledge forms, or year-end communications, ask donors if they use a donor-advised fund.

 

How to Talk to DAF Donors

 

Donors with DAFs have already committed money to charitable giving. That means the usual appeals focused on tax deductions or urgency may be less effective. Instead:

 

  • Focus on impact: show how their grant made a difference
  • Emphasize confidence: demonstrate that your organization is trustworthy, well-run, and mission-aligned
  • Prioritize gratitude: DAF donors often say they feel disconnected from the giving experience—personalized thanks can go a long way

 

Why This Matters:

 

Stewardship and Relationship Building DAF giving is on the rise. Understanding how it works not only reduces confusion—it also helps nonprofits build stronger donor relationships. When you can confidently recognize and respond to DAF gifts, you show professionalism, gratitude, and readiness to partner with donors on their terms.

 

Be Prepared, Not Puzzled

 

Donor-advised funds may change how gifts arrive, but they don’t change the generosity behind them. By understanding the DAF process and adjusting your internal systems accordingly, your nonprofit can ensure that every gift is acknowledged with clarity and care—no matter whose name is on the check.