Donor‑Advised Funds: What Data Reveals — and What Charities Need to Know

Donor‑Advised Funds (DAFs) saw a sharp and much‑anticipated surge in late 2025, driven in part by tax law changes under HR1. While much of the conversation focuses on dollars flowing into DAFs, fewer insights exist on what happens next — where those funds ultimately land and what that means for nonprofits.

Drawing on research compiled by Chariot, a fintech company focused on DAF payments, and K2D Strategies, this session examined real‑world giving patterns and behaviors tied to DAF distributions.

Attendees gained practical, mission‑focused insights to better engage donors who increasingly use DAFs as a preferred giving vehicle, while also navigating the compliance and operational complexities that come with these gifts.

Learning objectives

• Identify key trends shaping how and when charities are receiving DAF gifts
• Discuss leading practices for tracking, reconciling, and properly acknowledging DAF contributions
• Recall well-established ideas to reduce donor friction and unlock additional giving through DAFs
• Identify the critical compliance considerations every organization should understand when accepting DAF funding

Who should watch

This session is designed for nonprofit finance, advancement, and compliance leaders seeking stronger controls and smoother processes for DAF gifts.