RKD GroupThinkers Blog

Countdown to DAF Day: 15 last-minute digital ideas to cultivate DAF giving

Written by Megan England | Sep 22, 2025 9:24:31 PM

DAF Day (October 9, 2025) is fast approaching. This nationwide celebration is designed to spark awareness of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and encourage supporters to unlock even more generosity. 

If you haven’t had time to build a full campaign, don’t worry! There’s still plenty you can do to join the movement. With a little planning and some quick digital action, you can engage donors, drive gifts and keep the momentum going well after the day ends. 

Here are 15 last-minute ideas to make the most of DAF Day and beyond: 

 

Two weeks out: Raise awareness 

1. Launch a blog or video on your DAF impact.

Share a powerful story about how DAF gifts have fueled your mission. A short video featuring a program leader or a quick blog post with donor quotes can demystify DAFs and show real-life impact.

2. Send an email: “3 Easy Steps To Give with Your DAF.”

Keep it simple. Lay out exactly how donors can make a DAF contribution. Removing confusion is key to unlocking generosity.

3. Begin the countdown: “2 Weeks to DAF Day!”

Use a countdown theme in your emails and social posts. Phrases like, “Just 10 days away” create urgency while keeping DAF Day top of mind.

 

One week out: Build momentum 

4. Encourage your board and staff to share posts.

Personal advocacy goes a long way. Ask board members and staff to post about DAF Day on their own social media channels. Their authentic voices extend your reach beyond your organization’s platforms. 

5. Host a short webinar or Q&A.

In 20 minutes or less, walk donors through how DAFs work. Invite a financial advisor or experienced donor to join for credibility. A live or recorded session gives people confidence to act.

6. Share behind-the-scenes prep content.

Let your audience peek behind the curtain. Show your team designing graphics, planning thank-you notes or getting excited about the big day. It adds authenticity and builds anticipation.

 

The week of: Drive action 

7. Send a final reminder email: “DAF Day is this week!”

Don’t assume donors remember. A reminder email with clear subject lines and a bold call-to-action link is crucial in the final push.

8. Post daily countdowns on social.

Share short posts with eye-catching graphics. Use polls, quick facts or countdown numbers to keep followers engaged right up until the big day.

9. Prep thank-you messages and graphics.

Having ready-to-send thank-you emails and social graphics means you can respond in real time. Quick acknowledgment encourages future giving.

 

On DAF Day: Maximize engagement 

10. Launch all channels at once.

Email, social media and your website should all feature DAF-Day messaging. A coordinated approach makes the event feel bigger and harder to miss.

11. Use DAFpay links for easy giving.

Reduce friction by adding direct DAFpay links to all of your digital assets. Donors are more likely to act when the path is seamless.

12. Share real-time updates and donor shoutouts.

Keep energy high throughout the day. Post live updates, celebrate milestones and thank donors publicly. It builds community and encourages others to join in.

 

After DAF Day: Celebrate impact 

13. Send thank-you emails that include impact numbers.

After many asks and appeals, it’s crucial to take time to say thank you to your donors and let them know how their kindness is going to make a difference.

14. Share results on social media.

Don't be afraid to celebrate generosity. Your followers will love to see an update on your fundraising efforts, and this is another chance to thank your supporters.

15. Debrief with your team and gather feedback.

Once the hard work is done, a quick huddle can help you capture lessons learned for next year. Always be optimizing your efforts.

 

From countdown to impact 

DAF Day offers a unique opportunity to spotlight DAF giving. Even if you’re short on time, these 15 quick digital tactics will help you show up, engage with your donors and make the most of the moment. 

Learn more and access resources at DAFDay.com. 

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