Ep 192| Donor-Advised Funds: What Fundraisers Need to Know Now

Jan 22, 2026

Cara Augspurger, frontline fundraiser and executive director of the Grace Care Center Foundation, explains donor-advised funds and how they shape modern giving. Short takes on why DAF holders give thoughtfully, common misconceptions that create friction, and simple steps nonprofits can take to be clearer, more visible, and DAF-ready.

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INSIGHT

DAFs Are Mainstream Now

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are no longer niche and are reshaping philanthropy.
Nonprofits must learn to show up confidently for DAF holders or miss opportunities.

ANECDOTE

Immediate Outreach From A Fund Holder

A local foundation reached out on behalf of a fund holder seeking an organization like Cara's.
That outreach confirmed DAFs are becoming a routine source of donations for nonprofits.

ADVICE

Treat DAFs Like Charitable Savings

Treat DAFs like charitable savings accounts that already hold money earmarked for giving.
Ask donors directly and make it easy for them to recommend grants when they're ready.

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DAFs don’t delay generosity - they reveal giving friction.

Donor-advised funds are shaping how people give, but many nonprofits aren’t quite ready for it.

In this episode, Cara Augspurger shares what she’s seeing firsthand as a frontline fundraiser, including why DAF donors are often some of the most prepared, responsive, and relationship-driven supporters - when nonprofits make it easy to say yes.

You’ll hear:

What fundraisers often misunderstand about DAF donors
Why DAF giving doesn’t slow generosity - friction does
Simple ways to be clearer, more visible, and more DAF-ready

If donor-advised funds feel confusing or intimidating, this episode brings clarity without the noise.

Listen now and share with someone navigating donor shifts or planning for more sustainable fundraising.

Helpful DAF Resources:
We have an in-depth blog to bring you up to speed:

Donor-Advised Funds: What Do They Mean for Nonprofits and Donors?

And, quick links to providers mentioned in the episode:

What makes Donorbox the Best Nonprofit Fundraising Platform to Achieve Your Strategic Goals?
Easy to customize, available in multiple languages and currencies, and supported by leading payment processors (Stripe and PayPal), Donorbox’s nonprofit fundraising solution is used by 80,000+ global organizations and individuals. From animal rescue to schools, places of worship, and research groups, nonprofits use Donorbox to raise more funds, manage donors efficiently, and make a bigger impact.

Discover how Donorbox can help you help others!
The Nonprofit Podcast, along with a wealth of nonprofit leadership tutorials, expert advice, tips, and tactics, is available on the Donorbox YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss an episode:
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro: Donor-Advised Funds Are Everywhere

01:20 - What Are Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)?

02:15 - Real Example: Fund Holder Reaches Out

03:50 - DAF Growth: A Million in 2 Years

04:39 - How DAFs Impact Nonprofits

06:27 - 3 Common Myths About DAFs

08:42 - Why Visibility + Clarity Matter for DAF Giving

11:09 - 3 Things to Do This Week (Practical Tips)

13:09 - Bonus Tip: Open Your Own DAF

15:28 - Final Thoughts: Removing Friction for Donors

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