Getting in the DAF Game: Why It Matters and How to Start
Author: Jessica Rayne | Generosity Growth & Partnership, GiveWise
If you work at a charity, you’ve likely seen the term “DAF” pop up more and more.
That’s because Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) aren’t just a trend — they’re one of the fastest-growing giving vehicles in Canada.
But here’s what I see every week, talking to charity leaders across the country:
Many organizations aren’t set up to receive DAF gifts well.
Some don’t realize they’re already receiving them — often anonymously.
And too often, charities are missing the chance to build deeper relationships with donors who want to give more.
Why DAFs matter more than ever
DAFs work a lot like a gift card for generosity.
Donors contribute to their DAF (often alongside their financial advisor) at one point in time — then recommend grants to charities later.
That delay creates a critical window:
If your charity isn’t part of their giving strategy when they log into their DAF, you might not make the list.
And the data backs it up:
- DAF donors increase their annual giving by 96%
- They have 15% higher retention than non-DAF donors
So yes — these are the donors you want to connect with. But first, you have to make it easy for them to give.
What’s getting in the way?
The biggest barriers I see?
- The “Ways to Give” page doesn’t mention DAFs
- Donation tools don’t accept DAF or complex gifts
- Teams don’t know how to respond to anonymous grants
- There’s no system to connect or follow up with DAF donors
And that means real opportunities are being missed.
How GiveWise can help
That’s where GiveWise — and our GiveGenius tool — comes in.
We’ve made it simple for your charity to step into the DAF space with confidence (and without tech headaches or added admin).
With GiveGenius, you can:
- Empower donors to open a Giving Fund (DAF) from your donation link
- Instantly receive DAF gifts
- Accept complex gifts like securities, bank transfers, preferred shares, or real estate — no forms or back-office burden
- Build real relationships — even with donors who start out “anonymous”
Where to start
If you haven’t updated your giving page lately — or you’re not sure how to talk about DAFs — I’d love to help.
This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
DAFs are here. Your charity deserves to benefit.
Let’s make sure you’re not missing the moment.
👉 Book a 15-minute chat with me — I’d be happy to walk you through how GiveGenius can support your fundraising goals.
Warmly,
Jessica Rayne
Generosity Growth & Partnerships
GiveWise Foundation Canada