Unlock the Power of Donor Advised Funds

Date:

September 9, 2026

Time:

1:45 pm

-

2:45 pm

Type:

Breakout

Speakers:

Vicki Pugh, CFRE, CAP®

The Fund Raising School

Summary:

Donor advised funds (DAFs) are one of the fastest-growing and often misunderstood vehicles in philanthropy. Drawing on the latest research from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, including insights from the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative, this session will demystify how DAFs work, address common misconceptions, and explore what the data actually show about donor behavior. Participants will gain practical strategies for identifying and engaging donors who give through DAFs, as well as a clearer understanding of why individuals establish and contribute to these funds. Designed for fundraisers from organizations of all sizes and subsectors, this session will translate research into actionable approaches that can be immediately applied.        

Following this session, participants will:

1. Understand the current landscape of DAFs

2. Identify practical ways to engage and steward donors who give through DAFs