Adding DAFs to Your Planned Giving Target Marketing | Sharpe Group
Posted March 16th, 2026

Adding DAFs to Your Planned Giving Target Marketing

Donor Advised Funds illustrationDonor advised funds are the fastest growing form of philanthropy in the US. While there are still a relatively small number of DAFs—fewer than 2 million accounts—they can make a significant impact with nearly $250 billion in assets. According to the Annual DAF Report 2025 published by the DAF Research Collaborative (DAFRC):

 

  • Baby Boomers comprise almost 50% of DAF donors who are primarily between the ages of 55-80.
  • More than 25% of the DAFS in this study were opened after 2020.
  • In the last three years, more than two-thirds of the DAFs reported making at least one grant.
  • A little over one-third made annual grants between $10,000 – $50,000.

Does your planned giving target marketing include DAFs?

The rising popularity of DAFs means that more people have made contributions to them. Our new on-demand brochure, “Giving Through Donor Advised Funds,” can be branded and sent to your top prospects to encourage them to consider DAF distributions to your organization this year and in the future. To personalize and order, click here. The time is now!

The publisher of Sharpe Insights is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory service. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of your own counsel should be obtained. Articles in Sharpe Insights may generally be reprinted for distribution to board members and staff of nonprofit institutions and other non-donor groups. Proper credit must be given. Call for details.