5 Myths Charities Believe About Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

If you’ve ever had a donor want to give through a DAF - or offer a gift of shares - and your team wasn’t sure how to proceed, you’re not alone. 

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are growing fast in Canada, but many charities still feel uncertain about them. Some think they’re only for big institutions. Others assume they’re anonymous or too complex to be worth the effort. 

Let’s clear that up. Here are five myths we hear all the time from smart, committed fundraisers - and what’s actually true with GiveWise. 

MYTH #1: DAF donors are anonymous. 

FACT: With GiveWise, your team sees donor names in real time through the GiveWise Charity Portal. No mystery deposits. No guesswork. Just clear info that helps you follow up well and build lasting relationships. 

“We want to be donor-friendly - but our system’s clunky.” 

Now you can meet donors where they’re at - without friction. In fact, GiveWise encourages you to steward the donor in the same manner as if they had given directly. 
 

MYTH #2: DAF disbursements are slow. 

FACT: GiveWise disburses funds weekly, directly to your bank account. That means no long waits, no manual cheques, and no wondering when the gift will land. 

You won’t miss the next complex gift - even if you’ve never handled one before. 

MYTH #3: DAFs hoard funds instead of giving. 

FACT: There are no limits or spend-down restrictions for donors on GiveWise. Our tools actually make it easier for them to give - and often, to give more. 

“I wish we had a better way to handle that.” 

Now you do. 

MYTH #4: DAFs are rigid or complicated. 

FACT: GiveWise Donors can give any amount, any time, to any Canadian charity. We also work with any financial advisor and accept complex gifts like securities and private shares. See how it works. 

“Our donor wanted to give X - and we didn’t know how.” 

We’ve got your back next time. 

MYTH #5: DAFs create more admin work. 

FACT: Actually, we make it easier. GiveWise handles the admin including tax receipting and asset transfers, so you can focus on donor relationships.  

You receive the gift - without the hassle. 

“You’ll look like a hero without extra admin.” 

Bottom Line: 

You don’t need a complicated system or technical know-how. You just need the right partner behind the scenes. 

DAFs aren’t just for foundations or big-budget orgs - they’re for any charity that wants to unlock generosity and say “yes” to their donors. 

Activate your free GiveWise Charity Profile or explore our Charities Overview to learn more.