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How Donor Advised Funds Change Fundraising

Author

Listed:
  • H. Daniel Heist

    (Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Genevieve G. Shaker

    (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA)

  • Rachel M. Sumsion

    (Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Jenna Tomlinson

    (Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

  • Alyssa Minor

    (Marriott School of Business, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA)

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of donor advised funds (DAFs) and the rising prominence of their sponsoring organizations are among the most disruptive innovations in philanthropy in recent years. To examine DAFs’ implications for major gift fundraising and nonprofit administration, we interview professional fundraisers from across the US ( n = 46). We analyze their comments following a six-stage thematic process. We present a modified fundraising model called the “DAF Donor Relationship Management Cycle.” This new model makes a theoretical contribution to nonprofit studies by highlighting challenges and opportunities for fundraisers in working with DAFs. Among other adjustments, the new model includes gift processing as a critical component and specifies two forms of donor identification—reactive and proactive. Six challenges and four opportunities associated with the stages of the cycle are also delineated. This new model documents how DAFs disrupt fundraising methods and systems, clarifies fundraising cycle assumptions and inferences, and offers important practical insights from fundraisers for other fundraisers. Ultimately, integrated organizational-level strategies are needed to guide DAF adaptation and DAF donor engagement and to inform training and coordination of gift processing and frontline fundraising efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • H. Daniel Heist & Genevieve G. Shaker & Rachel M. Sumsion & Jenna Tomlinson & Alyssa Minor, 2025. "How Donor Advised Funds Change Fundraising," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-28, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:4:p:137-:d:1629855
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. James Andreoni, 2018. "The Benefits and Costs of Donor-Advised Funds," Tax Policy and the Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 32(1), pages 1-44.
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    Cited by:

    1. Seyed Hosein Seyedi & Ali Najjar & Seyed Mohammad Seyedi, 2025. "The trends of fundraising in Iranian charities: methods, drivers, and risks," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 22(3), pages 751-784, September.

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