On October 9, the nonprofit sector comes together for DAF Day, a nationwide effort to inspire donors to put their donor-advised funds (DAFs) to work in support of the causes they care about most.
DAF Day is more than just a giving day. It’s a movement to reframe how DAFs are used—and who uses them. With over $230 billion currently set aside in donor-advised funds across the country, the potential for impact is enormous. Yet, on average, 37% of DAF accounts go unused in a given year. That means billions of charitable dollars are sitting on the sidelines instead of protecting the environment, advancing education, or strengthening communities.
We’re encouraging donors everywhere to take action. By recommending a grant from your DAF, you can put your charitable dollars to work right now, when they are needed most.
What is a Donor-Advised Fund?
A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account that you set up for the sole purpose of supporting nonprofits. You contribute to your DAF, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants over time to the organizations you care about. It’s simple, flexible, and powerful.
Madison Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and many other community foundations throughout Wisconsin offer donor-advised funds or similar opportunities. By placing your dollars at a local community foundation, they stay in your community and further support the causes you love.
The Power of Donor-Advised Funds
- Amplify your impact. Joining with thousands of other donors on DAF Day helps highlight the collective power of charitable giving through donor-advised funds.
- Support causes you love. Whether your passion is conservation, education, health, or the arts, your DAF grant makes an immediate difference.
- Make your dollars count now. Funds already set aside for giving shouldn’t wait on the sidelines—communities and nonprofits need them today.
At Gathering Waters, we rely on generous donors to help protect Wisconsin’s lands and waters for future generations. If you have a donor-advised fund, please consider recommending a grant to support our mission—or to any nonprofit that matters most to you.
Together, let’s unlock the incredible potential of donor-advised funds and turn charitable intentions into action.
Learn more about how to support Gathering Waters on our Ways to Give webpage.