Drawing on empirical research from the Donor-Advised Fund Research Collaborative (DAFRC)—including focus groups and survey responses from 669 financial advisors—this presentation delivers an in-depth analysis of how, when, and why wealth advisors incorporate Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) into their practice. Led by Erinn Andrews (Founder and CEO of GiveTeam), one of the researchers and co-authors of the report and Danny Anderson, CFA, CFP®, CEPA, Partner at Longwise Wealth Partners, this session explores the primary drivers, perceived barriers, and behavioral habits that differentiate high-performing advisors in charitable planning.
Attendees will examine key findings across client wealth tiers, learn how personal advisor characteristics (such as personal DAF usage and personal fulfillment) directly impact recommendation rates, and identify actionable strategies to bridge the charitable engagement gap.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
Identify Key Drivers and Vehicle Benefits of DAFs: Analyze the technical, strategic, and personal motivations—ranging from tax efficiency and complex asset donations to client values and relationship-building—that lead advisors and high-net-worth clients to select DAFs over other giving vehicles.
Recognize and Overcome Common DAF Barriers: Recognize and address top client concerns with DAFs—such as the irrevocable nature of gifts, rule complexity, and grantmaking restrictions.
Benchmark Advisor Practice Behaviors: Evaluate personal practice habits against survey benchmarks—including personal DAF usage, fulfillment-driven advising, and peer mentorship—to accelerate proficiency in serving high-net-worth donors.