The Money Isn't Missing: 5 Simple Ways to Encourage Donors to Give from Their Donor-Advised Funds

DATE


Jul 28 2026 16:46

AUTHOR


Team Attolero

Many nonprofit leaders assume that if donations are slowing down, generosity is too.

 

But in many cases, charitable dollars have already been set aside inside donor-advised funds (DAFs). The opportunity isn't always finding new donors—it's reminding existing supporters that those funds are available to recommend as grants.

 

The good news? Encouraging DAF giving doesn't require a major fundraising campaign. Often, it's the small reminders that make the biggest difference.

 

1. Make DAF Giving Easy to Find

 

If a donor has to search your website to figure out whether you accept DAF grants, you've already created friction.

Include:

 

  • A short explanation that you accept grants from donor-advised funds.
  • Your legal name and EIN.
  • A simple point of contact for questions.

 

2. Mention DAFs Throughout the Year

 

Many organizations only talk about donor-advised funds during year-end giving campaigns.

 

Instead, weave them naturally into newsletters, annual reports, and occasional social media posts. A simple reminder may prompt someone who already has charitable dollars set aside.

 

3. Train Your Team

 

Your development staff doesn't need to be tax experts, but they should feel comfortable answering basic questions or directing donors to the appropriate resources.

 

Confidence leads to better donor conversations.

 

4. Include DAF Giving Alongside Other Ways to Give

 

When discussing stock gifts, planned giving, or recurring donations, mention donor-advised funds as another option.

This normalizes DAF giving rather than treating it as something separate.

 

5. Remember What You're Really Doing

 

The goal isn't to persuade someone to become generous. They've already chosen generosity by contributing to a donor-advised fund.

 

Your job is simply to help them connect those charitable dollars with your mission. 

 

 

Donor-advised funds continue to play a growing role in philanthropy. By making DAF giving visible, understandable, and easy, nonprofits can remove barriers for donors who are already looking for meaningful ways to make an impact.

 

Sometimes the most effective fundraising strategy isn't asking for more.

 

It's making it easier for donors to give in the way they've already planned.