Crash Course in DAFs: An Introduction to Donor Advised Funds for the Nonprofit Professional

Description:
DAFs are a unique giving vehicle that has similarities to foundation grants and to individual gifts. Therefore, DAFs require a unique cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy as well. Development and grant professionals may not feel prepared to appropriately navigate DAF gifts and interact with DAF donors.

This session will address what DAFs are, how they are different from other philanthropic gifts, and how nonprofits can get them. Attendees will be equipped to incorporate DAFs into their organization's diversified funding strategy. The discussion will feature the perspective of a DAF administrator and a nonprofit organization DAF recipient. Specifically, this session will include:
- An introduction to DAFs;
- A short history of DAFs and information about their recent growth in popularity;
- Overview of the different types of institutions that administer DAFs;
- Suggestions on how to cultivate donors who give through DAFs;
- A critical discussion of legal and ethical issues surrounding acknowledgment processes and donor benefits related to DAFs, which are different than those requirements for foundations or individual donors; and
- Recommendations on how development offices should think about DAFs as part of their comprehensive development strategy and sustainability plan.

This session aligns with GPC Competencies:
1) How to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs. The session will help attendees understand where to obtain information about DAFs and connect with DAF donors who are interested in the organization's mission.
2) Methods and strategies that cultivate and maintain relationships between fund-seeking and recipient organizations and funders. The session will equip attendees to cultivate, solicit, and acknowledge DAF donors in an ethical and legal manner.

GPC Competencies Addressed:
How to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs
Methods and strategies that cultivate and maintain relationships between fund-seeking and recipient organizations and funders

Speaker: 
Kristin Raack is Founder & CEO of AltruNext, a professional services firm that helps nonprofits advance the greater good. She is committed to helping organizations improve their health, achieve their missions, and increase their sustainability. Kristin has raised funds for nonprofits focused on education, healthcare, youth development, social services, and conservation. Her experience includes funder research, grant writing, annual funds, major gifts, capital campaigns, and strategic planning.

Panelists coming soon!