Engaging Effectively with DAFs: Strategies for Charitable Success

Understanding DAFs and Their Importance

As we know, high-value fundraising is a long-term game. While success can appear to happen overnight, it often results from years of relationship building, profile raising, and providing opportunities for supporters—both current and prospective—to connect with your cause. Working with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and the donors who use them is no different.

In the first instalment of this series on DAFs, we busted some myths about what DAFs are and what they are not. In part two, I want to explore a question I’m asked frequently: If you can’t submit an application to a DAF or directly ‘prospect’ a DAF holder, what can you do?

The charities that see the best engagement with DAFs focus on a few key fundamentals: building relationships, staying visible, and making it easy for donors and their advisors to engage with their work.

Strategies for Engaging with DAFs

1. Track DAF Giving and Be Proactive in Your Thanks

Most organisations excel at acknowledging direct gifts. However, DAF donations often fall through the cracks. I’ve seen many instances where gifts from a DAF provider are coded differently or treated more like transactions than relationships. Sometimes, the thank you is merely a receipt rather than an authentic, human-centred acknowledgment. In some cases, no acknowledgment happens at all.

There are no ‘golden eggs’ in fundraising, but this could be a missed opportunity. Implementing simple improvements can go a long way. Nominating a team lead for DAF relationships, creating a process to flag higher-value gifts made via DAFs, and ensuring gifts are thanked properly and promptly can help maximise the opportunities that arise from DAFs.

2. View DAF Client Managers as Partners, Not Gatekeepers

One of the most overlooked aspects of working with DAFs is the role of the client manager. They’re often seen as an administrative layer in the process, but in my experience, they are much more than that. Client managers are usually deeply invested in helping their clients give well, and they play a key role in shaping the giving experience.

They often possess a deeper understanding of their client’s motivations, preferences, and interests than fundraisers do. Working with client managers can be an opportunity. When approached intentionally and thoughtfully, they can provide valuable advice on shaping donor reporting and updates. They can also support deeper engagement opportunities, such as attendance at events.

Think of DAF gifts as a starting point. Use that as a jumping-off point to get to know more about your donor and build a connection with their client manager over time.

3. Make It Easy for DAF Providers to Stay Connected to Your Work

With so many amazing causes out there, keeping track of the latest news, needs, and impacts of charitable organisations is challenging, even for the most engaged individuals. You can help DAF teams and stay visible in the process by sharing concise updates and stories from your work.

Invite DAF staff to events and find out if it’s possible to get involved in any sector-focused insight sessions run by the DAF provider itself. The key here is not to overwhelm but to be consistent and share unique and interesting insights. You may not receive a response every time, but where capacity allows, offering a regular invitation to engage can help keep your work front of mind while expanding your reach and networks.

Nurturing the Wider Giving Ecosystem

Working effectively with DAFs isn’t just about unlocking a new income stream; it’s about recognising that giving doesn’t happen in isolation. DAF providers, donors, and charities are all part of the same ecosystem, connected through a shared desire to create positive change.

The organisations that derive the most value from DAFs aren’t doing anything radical. They’re simply applying the fundamentals of good fundraising—strong stewardship, meaningful engagement, and consistent relationship-building. In today’s challenging fundraising environment, these principles matter more than ever.

The Importance of Building Relationships

Building relationships is at the heart of successful fundraising. It’s essential to understand that every interaction counts. When you engage with DAFs, think about how you can foster genuine connections. This might mean reaching out to thank a donor personally or inviting them to a special event.

Remember, people give to people. By nurturing these relationships, you can create a network of supporters who are not just donors but advocates for your cause.

Engaging Through Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool in fundraising. Sharing compelling stories about the impact of your work can resonate deeply with DAF donors. When they see the tangible results of their contributions, they are more likely to feel connected to your mission.

Consider creating a regular newsletter or blog that highlights success stories, challenges, and future goals. This not only keeps your supporters informed but also makes them feel like they are part of your journey.

Leveraging Social Media for Engagement

In today’s digital age, social media is an invaluable tool for engagement. Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share updates, celebrate milestones, and highlight the impact of DAF contributions.

Engaging with DAFs on social media can also help you reach a wider audience. Encourage your supporters to share your posts and amplify your message. This can create a ripple effect, drawing in new donors and supporters.

Collaborating with Other Charities

Collaboration can be a game-changer in the charity sector. By partnering with other organisations, you can pool resources, share knowledge, and expand your reach. This is particularly beneficial when working with DAFs, as it can demonstrate a united front and a broader impact.

Consider hosting joint events or campaigns that highlight the collective work of multiple charities. This not only strengthens relationships but also showcases the power of collaboration in driving social change.

Work with Me

Keen to hear more? bee advisory is focused on improving the ecosystem for giving. I work with charities and funders to navigate their fundraising and giving. If you’re looking to establish or evaluate your giving or want to strengthen your approach to high-value fundraising, I’d love to have a conversation.

With thanks to Joe Crome, CAF, and Aneliese Chapman at Cancer Research UK for sharing their insights in the DAF webinar in late 2025.