5 ways to make the most of your donor-advised fund (DAF) today

If you have a donor-advised fund, you’re part of a fast-growing community—nearly 1.78 million DAF accounts nationwide in 2023 (National Philanthropic Trust 2024 DAF Report). 

Your charitable intention turns into impact when you recommend a grant. In 2023, DAFs held $251.52 billion and granted $54.77 billion, a 23.9% payout rate (NPT 2024 DAF Report). Independent analysis of IRS data suggests the median sponsor-level payout is closer to 9.7%, with many accounts making no grants in a given year (Institute for Policy Studies, 2025). 

These are more than statistics – they’re missed opportunities to do good. 

Here are five simple ways to turn your DAF’s potential into steady, real-world impact. 

Your tax benefit happened when you funded your DAF; communities benefit when you recommend a grant. Begin with one grant today to an organization you trust.  

Quick ways to begin:  

• Select one cause that is meaningful to you and recommend a grant right now.  

• Set up a calendar reminder to review your DAF next month.  

• If you advise a household fund, agree that each person makes one or more grants this quarter. 

Turn one‑time grants into a habit. If your sponsor allows it, schedule monthly or quarterly grants so support does not stall between crises. 

Tip: When scheduling recurring grants, make sure to designate them where most needed. “Set it and forget it” restrictions can outlast a program’s timeline and limit a nonprofit’s ability to meet current needs. 

Most platforms let you include your name and contact info. Sharing even just an email ensures you’ll hear back about the difference you made. Nonprofits can thank you directly, confirm your grant was received, and send you updates that show how your giving is creating impact for good. 

A small amount of planning helps avoid delays in your grant reaching nonprofits. 

• Confirm sponsor cutoffs. Ask about disbursement methods and year‑end deadlines. 

• Beat the December rush. High volume and holiday mail can push disbursements into January. Recommending earlier helps funds arrive on time. 

Emergencies draw attention, but steady grants keep nonprofits strong between crises – and ready to act quickly when it matters most. Consider designating DAF grants “where most needed.” You’ll help organizations steadily serve their communities, plan ahead, and be ready for whatever comes next. 

First, log in to your DAF account to review your current giving — confirm your preferred charities, update any recurring grants, and check your contact preferences. To support Good360, visit our DAF page to recommend a grant today and help ensure families and communities across the U.S. have access to essential goods — opening doors to greater dignity, stability, and opportunity.