Opening a DAF was the first step.
Now for the fun part - putting it into action.
Certified DAF Advisor
Daylight Advisors
$327 billion sitting in DAFs
According to the 2025 Annual DAF Report
100% Fee Based
Means more money going to causes that count
What is a DAF?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is like a savings account for charitable giving. You transfer cash, stocks, or other assets into the account and get a tax-deduction right away, and then you can recommend where the money is donated at a later time. DAFs have surged in popularity (the amount of money in DAFs have doubled since 2020 to now $326 billion) because it can help streamline your giving and simplify your charitable tax deductions.
If you have a DAF, I'll help you create a giving strategy to make sure your donations are effective and aligned with your personal and philanthropic goals.
Did you know…
You can invest your DAF for impact while you decide where to give.
Many sponsors offer values-aligned portfolios, plus impact investments like affordable housing or clean energy funds, so your balance can grow while doing good.
Many sponsors have a minimum distribution - if you don’t donate, they will.
Most DAF sponsors require a grant every two to three years, so know your sponsor’s rules and make a plan to give now.
You can donate stock, real estate and other non-cash assets into your DAF.
Donate non-cash assets (including RSUs and crypto) directly, and avoid the capital gains tax you'd owe if you sold first while still deducting the full value.
How it works
Designed with your busy schedule in mind
One focused conversation about what you care about, how much you want to give, and how you want giving to fit into your life. You walk away with a personalized giving strategy and a roadmap for how to deploy your DAF.
1) 60 minute discovery session
After our session, I put together a list of organizations matched to your interests. It typically combines a review of the nonprofits you already support with additional or alternative organizations I've vetted, so you can give with confidence without spending hours researching.
2) Curated recommendations
If you want ongoing support, I can help with impact monitoring, board matching, impact investing, and volunteer opportunities.
3) Optional additional services
FAQs
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No, you do not need a DAF to work with me.
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is like a brokerage account for charitable giving. You transfer cash, stocks, or other assets into the account and get a tax-deduction right away, and then you can recommend where the money is donated at a later time. DAFs have surged in popularity (the amount of money in DAFs have doubled since 2020 to now $327 billion) because it can help streamline your giving and simplify your charitable tax deductions.
If you already have a DAF, I'll help you create a giving strategy to make sure your donations are effective and in line with your philanthropic goals.
If you don't have a DAF, we will create a personalized giving strategy utilizing your existing methods of giving. If you’re interested in opening a DAF, I can connect you with a recommended CPA or professional advisor.
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I charge a flat fee for my time, never a percentage of your gift, so more of your money reaches the causes you care about. Optional services are priced separately, and I'll share the cost before you commit to anything. Email me at kayla@philanthropyedit.com for more information.
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While I specialize in helping people make a giving plan for their DAF, you should always consult your tax advisor when considering setting up a DAF. My expertise is in helping you decide how to use your DAF and structure your giving (although you do not need a DAF to work with me). I’m happy to refer you to a list of recommended CPAs and advisors if you would like support exploring if a DAF is right for you!
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Starting in 2026, most people can now deduct charitable gifts, even if they don't itemize. A charitable deduction means you can subtract the amount you donated from the income the IRS taxes you on, so you pay less tax to the government.
If you take the standard deduction (which 90%+ people do), you can now deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts to charities ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly). However, this doesn't apply to contributions to a donor-advised fund (DAF).
If you itemize, two things changed in 2026:
First, only the part of your giving above 0.5% of your adjusted gross income counts. For example, with a $200,000 income, the first $1,000 you donate isn't deductible.
Second, if you're in the top 37% tax bracket (which in 2026 means you make $640,600+ for single filers or $768,700+ for married couples filing jointly), the tax benefit of your deduction is capped at 35%. For example, in this bracket if you donate $10k, instead of generating $3,700 in tax savings at 37%, it now generates $3,500 at 35%. Because of the new floor, many donors who itemize "bunch" several years of giving into one year. This means they contribute a larger amount to a DAF in one year to take the deduction up front, then recommend grants to charities over time.
The bottom line is that charitable giving not only helps the causes you care about, but it can also help lower your taxable income.
And remember - this is general information, not tax or legal advice. Please talk with a CPA or tax professional about your situation.
Get in Touch
Want to explore how you can be more strategic in your giving?
Reach out using the form or send an email directly to kayla@philanthropyedit.com. I’m happy to answer any questions by email or a short phone call about where you are in your giving and what you’re looking to do.