AFP Donor-Advised Fund Essentials

Powered by AFP Global | Supported by the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are rapidly becoming one of the most popular and impactful giving strategies in the United States. The number of individuals establishing DAFs, as well as the total value of assets held in these funds, has seen explosive growth in recent years. Despite this surge in popularity, many professional fundraisers remain uncertain about how DAFs operate and how their organizations can benefit from them.  

AFP Donor-Advised Fund Essentials is a curriculum designed to provide a streamlined introduction and deep examination into these essential concepts, crafting a comprehensive 9-module experience. Whether you are new to fundraising or a seasoned professional, you will learn the fundamentals of DAFs, discover effective strategies for tracking and managing DAF gifts, and gain confidence in soliciting and stewarding DAF donors.

Aligned Learning Objectives

Objective #1: Describe the basics of DAFs  
Objective #2: Properly record DAF grants into a donor database 
Objective #3: Appropriately acknowledge donors who grant with DAFs 
Objective #4: Identify and build meaningful relationships with DAF donors 
Objective #5: Develop DAF-specific solicitation strategies

Modules

Module #1: What is a Donor Advised Fund?
Module #2: Demystifying and Going Deeper on DAFs
Module #3: The DAF Donor Relationship Management Cycle
Module #4: Best Practices and Challenges for DAF Tracking
Module #5: Thanking Your DAF Donor
Module #6: Exchanging the Necessary Information with DAF Donors
Module #7: Engaging in Deeper Conversations with your DAF Donors
Module #8: Developing the Right Solicitation + Regulations
Module #9: The Fundraiser’s Evolving Role

AFP Global Offerings

• AFP ICON Pre-Conference Deep Dive | April 25, 2026 (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST): Donor-Advised Funds Learning Session
  • PLEASE NOTE: This session is for people from the following states (AL, AR, AZ, CO, ID, KY, LA, MS, MT, NV, NM, OK, TN, TX, UT, WY)
• AFP ICON Pre-Conference Deep Dive | April 25, 2026 (1:30-5:30 PM PST): Donor-Advised Funds Learning Session
  • PLEASE NOTE: This session is for people with organizational budgets of $5 million or less
• AFP Members-Only Webinar | May 12, 2026 (1:00-2:00 PM EST): Exploring and Demystifying Donor Advised Funds

Upcoming AFP Chapter Workshops

For more information and registration, please contact the AFP chapter directly or visit their chapter website. All courses are pending 4 CFRE credits approval.

• March 5, 2026: AFP Oklahoma Chapter
• March 6, 2026: AFP Utah Chapter
• March 19, 2026: AFP Arkansas Chapter
• April 8, 2026: AFP TX, Greater Houston Chapter
• May 7, 2026: AFP New Mexico Chapter
• May 19, 2026: AFP AZ, Greater Arizona Chapter
• June 12, 2026: AFP TX, Greater Austin Chapter
• July 29, 2026: AFP Alabama Chapter
• August 11, 2026: AFP TN, Memphis Chapter
• August 18, 2026: AFP TX, Greater Dallas Chapter
• August 20, 2026: AFP KY, Bluegrass Chapter
• August 26, 2026: AFP NV, Sierra Chapter
• September 17, 2026: AFP Colorado Chapter
• October 22, 2026: AFP LA, Greater New Orleans Chapter (in conjunction with AFP LEAD 2026)
• October 22, 2026: AFP Montana Chapter

This curriculum was independently developed by AFP Global and the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, which retain exclusive editorial control of all content.