Certificate of Donor Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a rapidly growing source of charitable giving, but attracting DAF donors requires more than adding a giving option to your website.  

In this interactive two-day workshop, participants will strengthen their organization’s ability to communicate its impact, demonstrate funding readiness, and build relationships with DAF donors. Through guided exercises, peer feedback, and practical planning tools, participants will develop donor-ready messaging and a focused strategy for integrating DAFs into their broader fundraising efforts. 

NOTE: You must be able to attend both live online sessions (May 12 and 19) to receive the certificate. If you need to miss a day, please contact nu@gcn.org to move your registration to the next offering of this certificate. Please note that viewing the recording will not count towards your attendance for this series.

Session 1: Understanding DAFs and Strengthening Organizational Readiness

May 12 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

This session explores how DAFs work, why they are growing, and how they differ from other funding sources.  

Participants will identify the outcomes and indicators that communicate their organization’s unique impact, refine an impact statement for DAF audiences, and assess how effectively their communications demonstrate credibility, transparency, and readiness to steward donor investments. 

Session 2: Building the Case and Moving to Action

May 19 | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

This session focuses on turning organizational impact into a compelling, donor-ready case for support.  

Participants will learn how to tailor funding messages for DAF donors, identify and cultivate prospective supporters, leverage relationships with board members and community partners, and align DAF engagement with their broader fundraising priorities. Participants will leave with a draft case for support and a practical 90-day action plan for strengthening DAF outreach and engagement.