--- title: 5 steps to acquiring more donor-advised fund (DAF) gifts description: Discover five actionable steps to enhance donor engagement and maximize gifts from donor-advised funds (DAFs) in your nonprofit organization. Learn how to optimize your online presence, integrate DAF messaging into your communications, and identify potential DAF donors through data modeling. This guide offers valuable insights for nonprofits across sectors, ensuring you harness the full potential of DAFs as a stable funding source. Stay informed on the evolving landscape of DAFs and elevate your fundraising strategies today! image: https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/BlogDoodle_DAF%20donors.png --- [![](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png?width=157&name=210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com) - [Solutions](https://rkdgroup.com/services/) - [Mid-Level Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/mid-level-giving/) - [Monthly Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/monthly-giving/) - [Lapsed Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/lapsed-giving/) - [Personalization](https://rkdgroup.com/services/personalization/) - [Connectors](https://rkdgroup.com/services/connectors/) - [Machine Learning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/machine-learning/) - [Marketing + Fundraising](https://rkdgroup.com/services/marketing-fundraising/) - [Audience Development](https://rkdgroup.com/services/audience-development/) - [Creative Services](https://rkdgroup.com/services/creative-services/) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/services/data-management/) - [Strategic Planning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/strategic-planning/) - [Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/services/analytics/) - [Causes](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/) - [Animal Care](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/animal-care/) - [Food Banks](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/food-banks/) - [Health + Hospitals](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/health-hospitals/) - [Humanitarian](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/humanitarian/) - [Missions](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/missions/) - [Salvation Army](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/the-salvation-army/) - [Results](https://rkdgroup.com/results/) - [Acquisition](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=acquisition) - [Digital](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=digital) - [Mid-Major Programs](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=mid-major-programs) - [Advanced Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=advanced-analytics) - [Direct Mail](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=direct-mail) - [Multichannel Strategy](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=multichannel-strategy) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=data-management) - [Media](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=media) - [Website Development](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=website-development) - [Resources](https://rkdgroup.com/insights/) - [Blog](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/) - [Benchmarks](https://info.rkdgroup.com/benchmarks) - [Webinars](https://info.rkdgroup.com/webinars) - [Ebooks + Research](https://info.rkdgroup.com/ebooks-research) - [Podcast](https://info.rkdgroup.com/group-thinkers-nonprofit-marketing-podcast) - [Field Guides](https://info.rkdgroup.com/field-guides) - [About Us](https://rkdgroup.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://rkdgroup.com/about/leadership/) - [Careers](https://rkdgroup.com/about/careers/) - [Let's Chat](https://rkdgroup.com/lets-chat/) #### Subscribe to our blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ## Featured Post   [RKD Group](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group) ## [RKD Group Acquires Whiteboard](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard) Premier Marketing Agency Bolsters Conceptual Creative Capabilities by Acquiring Award-Winning Agency PLANO, Texas, July 27, 2026 — Today, RKD Group, Nor\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [Direct Mail Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/direct-mail-fundraising) [Multichannel](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/multichannel) [Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/fundraising) [Nonprofit Industry](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/nonprofit-industry) [RKD](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/rkd) [Brand](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/brand) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard)   [Shane Thornal](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/shane-thornal) ## [Why nonprofits must unite SEO, social and paid media in one strategy](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) Someone at your organization “owns” paid media. 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With 1,250 organizations participating, the first-ever DAF Day on Oct. 10 [was a huge success](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241015121417/en/First-Ever-DAF-Day-Successfully-Kicks-Off-Giving-Season-Participants-See-Everything-From-3-Million-Increases-to-Their-Biggest-Giving-Day-Ever). This highlights the incredible potential that DAFs hold for nonprofits.   I’ve noticed a common theme among the organizations I work with: There’s both excitement and a bit of uncertainty about how to best engage this donor segment. That’s why I wanted to take the opportunity to address the questions and interest around DAF donors, while sharing practical steps to help nonprofits like yours maximize this growing fundraising opportunity.   With 17 years in fundraising strategy, I’ve seen firsthand how DAFs can provide nonprofits with stable support and long-term funding opportunities. DAF gifts can strengthen your nonprofit’s financial health as these funds are less impacted by inflation and consumer confidence.   In my role as the strategic lead for RKD’s hospital and health organizations, I’m often asked about best practices for attracting and retaining DAF donors. To help your organization make the most of this channel, I’ve compiled five actionable steps for DAF acquisition and retention that you can implement immediately.     ### **1. Optimize your online presence for DAF gifts**  Make it easy for donors to locate DAF information on your website. Ensure your organization appears in search results when donors look up your name in their DAF portal.   A dedicated “Ways to Give” page with a clear link to DAF information can increase visibility, and a donation widget can simplify the process. Below, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network does a great job [highlighting DAFs on their website](https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/donor-advised-funds/).  As I advise clients, think of your DAF information as part of your standard donor journey. The goal is to reduce friction so donors can contribute effortlessly.   ![A screenshot of a website Description automatically generated](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Nov-01-2024-03-45-11-7032-PM.png?width=1036&height=1501&name=undefined-Nov-01-2024-03-45-11-7032-PM.png)   ### **2. Integrate DAF messaging into all appeals**  Now that you’ve made it easy for donors to make these gifts, you need to tell them. Many donors are unaware of their ability to use DAFs to give directly to the causes they care about. Take the time to provide clear, accessible information about DAFs and integrate the messaging across all communication channels.   Repetition is key in fundraising, and DAFs should be no exception. The more informed donors are, the more likely they’ll consider using their DAFs to make impactful, consistent gifts to your organization. Include DAF information in direct mail, emails and newsletters. A small message on the back of a reply slip, a message in a P.S. or a banner at the bottom of an email can be a constant reminder.   ### **3. Consider targeted DAF-only campaigns**  If your organization has a well-developed DAF audience, consider dedicating specific campaigns to them.   For clients with a strong DAF donor base, we’ve seen success using postcards and direct mail focused solely on DAF giving. These targeted appeals serve as a gentle nudge, making DAF gifts feel easy and intentional. You can use a similar approach with segmented email audience.   ![](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Nov-01-2024-03-45-33-7624-PM.jpeg?width=840&height=566&name=undefined-Nov-01-2024-03-45-33-7624-PM.jpeg) ![](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Nov-01-2024-03-45-45-8447-PM.jpeg?width=841&height=570&name=undefined-Nov-01-2024-03-45-45-8447-PM.jpeg)   ### **4. Model your data to identify potential DAF donors**  We don’t always know who on our database has a DAF. By modeling your data, you can identify likely DAF holders and target them with personalized messaging.   Data modeling can uncover high-probability DAF donors, allowing you to engage them in a more tailored and effective manner.    ### **5. Foster a collaborative relationship with financial advisors**  Lastly, establish connections with financial advisors and institutions that manage DAFs. Financial advisors can become advocates for your organization, recommending it to clients with a philanthropic inclination.   Building these relationships can position your nonprofit as a preferred choice for DAF gifts, particularly if you’re a local or specialized organization.    ### **Stay updated on DAF opportunities**  As we reflect on the impact of the first-ever DAF Day, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead. The future of fundraising is here, and DAFs are a crucial part of it.   To stay in the loop on all things related to donor-advised funds, we encourage you to [register with DAF Day](https://www.dafday.com/) and stay informed on the latest insights and opportunities as you plan efforts to implement DAF strategies into your fundraising plans.    ### **Additional Resources**  - [See how these nonprofits are talking to donors about DAFs](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/see-how-these-nonprofits-are-talking-to-donors-about-dafs)  - [Cracking the code to donor-advised funds](/cracking-the-code-to-donor-advised-funds ) - [Donor-advised funds: What nonprofits need to know](/donor-advised-funds-what-nonprofits-need-to-know ) ### [Renee Falconer](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/renee-falconer) Renee Falconer is an Account Director, Client Success at RKD Group, where she works with nonprofits to create robust strategies to fuel their missions and make a difference driven by her natural curiosity about data and behavior. 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