Donor Trends: How Charitable Clients Use DAFs to Make an Impact

Episode 186

In an era where philanthropy is evolving rapidly, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have emerged as a powerful tool for individuals looking to maximize their charitable giving. DAFgiving360™ observed a record-breaking $7.7 billion in grants issued in 2024 — a 25% increase from the previous year — it’s clear that charitable clients are leveraging DAFs to create meaningful impact. But what does this shift mean for financial advisors, and how can they better serve their clients in the philanthropic space?

In this episode of ‘The InvestmentNews Podcast’, senior columnist Bruce Kelly sits down with Fred Kaynor, Managing Director at DAFgiving360, to uncover the latest trends in donor giving and how advisors played a crucial role in supporting charitable clients last year. From key insights into how and where donors are giving to the outlook for 2025, this conversation is packed with essential knowledge for advisors looking to integrate charitable giving into their wealth management strategies.

By listening to this episode, you will:

- Discover the latest DAFgiving360 data showing the significant rise in charitable contributions and grants.
- Learn where donors are directing their support, from education and public benefit to disaster relief and human services.
- Understand how donor-advised funds work, including tax benefits, investment opportunities, and long-term impact.
- Gain insights on how financial advisors can help clients create structured giving plans, incorporate non-cash assets, and engage the next
   generation in philanthropy.
- Get expert predictions on how economic and market conditions will shape charitable giving in the coming year.

The landscape of philanthropy is changing, and financial advisors have a unique opportunity to guide their clients toward impactful, tax-efficient giving strategies. Don’t miss this insightful discussion with industry experts - tune in now!

This podcast is sponsored by DAFgiving360.

Disclosures:

A donor’s ability to claim itemized deductions is subject to a variety of limitations depending on the donor’s specific tax situation.   

DAFgiving360TM does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor where such advice is necessary or appropriate.  

Contributions made to DAFgiving360 are considered an irrevocable gift and are not refundable. Once contributed, DAFgiving360 has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets. 

A donor opening a professionally managed account must recommend an independent investment advisor, who, if approved by DAFgiving360, will manage the assets contributed to the account. Advisors must meet certain eligibility requirements, including working with Schwab Advisor Services™, a business segment of The Charles Schwab Corporation, and agree to the Investment Advisory Agreement. 

DAFgiving360 is the name used for the combined programs and services of Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization which has entered into service agreements with certain subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. DAFgiving360 is a tax-exempt public charity as described in Sections 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1) (A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code.  

©2025 Donor Advised Charitable Giving, Inc. All rights reserved. (0525-DWMA) 

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