For too long, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have been viewed as a tool only for high-net-worth donors or major foundations. But here’s the truth: DAFs are for everyone. And the generosity sitting inside them? It’s massive—and often untapped.
That’s why DAF Day exists.
Happening this year on October 9, 2025, DAF Day is a sector-wide giving day designed to help nonprofits spark more giving through donor-advised funds and to empower more donors to feel great about using them.
This isn’t just another day on the fundraising calendar. It’s a shared opportunity to educate, inspire, and activate generosity that’s already waiting to be released.
Why DAFs and DAF Day Deserve Your Attention
There are millions of donor-advised fund accounts in the U.S., and while the money inside them is earmarked for good, much of it is still sitting on the sidelines. Many donors don’t know how or when to give from their DAF. Many nonprofits don’t mention it, ask for it, or offer an easy way to do it.
Last year’s first-ever DAF Day proved just how much potential there is when we make DAF giving easier and more visible:
- Some nonprofits saw their biggest giving day ever.
- Others reported a 4x increase in DAF gifts—in just one day.
- DAF platforms themselves experienced triple-digit spikes in daily giving activity.
The generosity is out there. DAF Day is the spark.
What Makes DAF Day Different
While year-end giving often focuses on urgency and tax deadlines, DAF Day focuses on education and empowerment. It’s about showing everyday donors that giving through their DAF isn’t just possible—it’s powerful, simple, and deeply meaningful.
It’s also an opportunity to build organization-wide momentum around a giving channel that’s too often left behind.
Because when a donor can say “yes” to giving without jumping through hoops, they’re more likely to follow through—and feel connected to the good they’re funding.
How to Get Ready
If your nonprofit uses Givecloud, you’re already ahead of the curve. Here’s how to make the most of DAF Day this year:
1. Enable DAFpay
If you haven’t already, turn on DAFpay in your Givecloud account. This allows donors to give directly from their donor-advised fund—without ever leaving your donation form. No redirects. No friction. No missed moments of generosity.
2. Tell Your Donors
Many of your supporters likely already have a DAF—and simply need to be reminded that they can use it.
- Post a DAF Day message on social
- Send a short explainer email
- Add a note to your donation page
- Use the DAF Day Toolkit for templates, graphics, and guides
3. Reframe the Message
DAFs aren’t about big checks. They’re about already-committed generosity that just needs a nudge. Make your ask personal. Tell your donors:
“If you have a donor-advised fund, now’s a great time to make your gift count. You can use it to give right now—quickly, securely, and without paperwork.”
The Opportunity Ahead
Now is the perfect moment to ask:
How are we planning to accelerate giving this fall?
DAF Day gives you a rare, built-in opportunity to do just that—without launching a brand-new campaign or reinventing your messaging.
This is about meeting donors where they are. Helping them give from what they already have. And reminding them that generosity should feel good, not complicated.
Giving Should Feel Great—Especially on DAF Day
Already using Givecloud? Learn how to activate DAFpay in your account for DAF Day.
New to Givecloud? Let’s chat about how we can help you build donor devotion and tap into DAF giving year-round!
October 9 is your moment. Let’s make it unforgettable—for you and your donors.
