Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are no longer the future—they’re the now. With over $250 billion sitting in DAFs and usage growing fast among mid-level donors, nonprofits can’t afford to misunderstand or overlook this giving vehicle.

In this episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck speaks with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, about how technology is transforming the DAF experience and why removing friction for donors is critical for unlocking more generous, more frequent giving.

Mitch shares personal stories, donor trends, and hard data to reveal what’s actually happening inside the DAF ecosystem—and what nonprofits must do to stay relevant and ready.

DAFs are growing fast—and expanding across all donor levels. They're no longer limited to major donors.

DAF giving increases generosity. When donors switch from credit card to DAF, they often double their annual giving.

Friction is costly. A lack of integration and ease leads to donor drop-off. Making DAF giving as easy as Apple Pay changes everything.

Track DAF gifts intentionally. Many nonprofits can’t report how many DAF gifts they receive. That has to change.

Mindset matters. DAFs aren't a barrier—they’re a philanthropic accelerator if you know how to engage them.

Chariot – DAFPay and DAF integration for nonprofits

DAF Fundraising Report – National trends and data from 78M+ donation records

National DAF Giving Day – October 9, 2025

Mitch Stein on LinkedIn

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