Donor advised funds (DAFs) are no longer a quiet back-office giving tool and they’re a rapidly growing force in philanthropy. DAFs can create distance between nonprofits and their donors, but they also offer untapped potential for bigger, faster gifts when organizations actively embrace them. Simply inviting DAF contributions to your nonprofit can unlock remarkable generosity. In today’s fundraising landscape, adaptation isn’t optional, it’s the key to staying connected and competitive.
Read MoreAfter years of declining donor participation, a new federal tax provision could help nonprofits reignite support from everyday givers. Starting in 2026, even non-itemizers can claim a modest charitable deduction ($1,000 for individuals, $2,000 for couples) signaling renewed recognition of smaller gifts. As Howard Husock argues, this shift isn't just financial; it's philosophical, affirming that generosity isn’t reserved for the wealthy. Nonprofits now have a strategic opportunity to re-engage the middle and rebuild a more inclusive culture of giving.
Read MoreArtificial intelligence has real promise in the nonprofit world, but when it comes to donor relationships, chatbots can only go so far. While they’re useful for answering FAQs and collecting data, they fall short in areas requiring empathy, nuance, and personalized connection. To communicate effectively with donors, nonprofits must blend AI’s efficiency with the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
Read MoreFundraiser burnout isn’t just a staffing issue—it’s a strategic crisis with long-term consequences. As seasoned gift officers exit, organizations face lost relationships, stalled momentum, and weakened donor confidence. The emotional labor that drives great fundraising must be acknowledged and supported, not silently exploited. If nonprofits are built on trust, then protecting the people who nurture that trust is not optional—it’s essential.
Read MoreIn fundraising, relationships drive results, and the most powerful tool for building trust is a personal phone call. While digital methods like email and text can help, they can't replace the connection that comes with voice-to-voice conversations. Gift officers must embrace persistence, resilience, and the right timing to create meaningful donor relationships. Every call may not result in a gift, but it's always a step forward in cultivating the connections that fuel a nonprofit's mission.
Read MoreDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs) have emerged as a major force in philanthropy, yet many nonprofits struggle to tap into this growing source of charitable giving. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has perfected a strategy for engaging DAF donors, focusing on ease of giving, building relationships with financial advisors, and framing gifts as investments in medical research. By adopting similar strategies, nonprofits can unlock the full potential of DAF giving, ensuring sustainable support and maximizing their impact. Those who don’t engage effectively with DAFs risk leaving significant funding untapped.
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