4 Ways Fundraisers Can Connect with Donor Advised Funds

As we enter the 4th quarter, many nonprofit leaders look for more ideas to raise funds before the end of the year. We recently shared three reasons why nonprofit fundraisers should work with donors who use a donor advised fund (DAF)—this is especially true for any year-end fundraising strategy. By using a DAF, these donors have already committed to strategic and consistent giving to nonprofits. They also have a track record of living generously, even when times are tough: in 2020, DAF grants to nonprofits increased by 30%.

But how can a nonprofit connect with DAF donors? What are the best ways to engage with DAF sponsors (like The Signatry)?

There are several steps nonprofit fundraisers can take to position their organization to accept grants from DAFs:

1. Welcome DAFs.

Include verbiage on your giving page about giving with a DAF. Any response vehicle used alongside an appeal should share the opportunity to support your work through a DAF.

2. Make your website DAF friendly—for donors and sponsors.

Consider adding a separate page explaining how to give through a DAF and listing key information DAF sponsors (like The Signatry) may need to process a grant.

Provide your nonprofit’s contact info on your website in a clear, easily accessible places (e.g., in the footer, contact page, and donate page).

• Phone, email, and mailing address are ideal.

On donate pages, have more than just a donation form.

• Link to your Guidestar/Candid profile.
• Share EIN information and proof of your IRS nonprofit status.
• Link to instructions for someone granting through a DAF. This includes the organization name to use, who to put gifts to the attention of, and the donation mailing address (if different than the physical address).
• Provide a contact name and information for donation related questions.

3. Update your profile on Guidestar/Candid.

Make it easy for DAF donors and sponsors to access the information they need.

4. Connect with DAF sponsors.

• For more secure, efficient receipt of donations, reach out to DAF sponsors you’ve received grants through and provide ACH information.
  • If you currently receive grants from The Signatry, contact our Nonprofit Success team to get this process started at nonprofitsuccess@thesignatry.com.
• Explore tools and guides from The Signatry and others for tips to engage with donors well.
  • For example, our Complex Asset Guide walks through key questions you can ask your donors that may unlock expanded capacity for generosity through noncash giving.

As the end of the year approaches for charitable fundraising, be prepared to engage with DAF donors and sponsors. Show that your nonprofit is equipped to work with DAF grants, and make your information accessible in order to receive grants more quickly and securely.