Are donor-advised funds holding money hostage — or are they one of the most powerful tools in the charitable sector? In Part 2 of our DAF series, Senior Consultants Jill Nelson and Peter McKinley tackle the real concerns and common misconceptions surrounding how donor-advised funds operate.

From disbursement quotas and endowment comparisons to anonymity, stewardship barriers, and complex gift vehicles, Jill and Peter bring clarity, nuance, and a healthy dose of optimism to a topic that is reshaping charitable giving in Canada.

In this episode, they explore:

• What the disbursement quota is and why it matters to DAF giving
• Whether money in DAFs is really "languishing" — and what the data shows
• How charities can still steward DAF donors, even when anonymity is involved
• Why DAFs are not the enemy — and how charities and DAFs can collaborate
• How DAFs may be growing the pie of charitable giving, not just redirecting it
• What's coming next in the Global Philanthropic Canada DAF podcast series

Stay tuned — colleagues Amy Lindenberger and Derek Fraser will be joining future episodes to share case studies and practical strategies your organization can put to work.

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What if there were billions of dollars already earmarked for charitable giving — just waiting for your organization to tap in? That's the reality of donor-advised funds, and in this episode of the Shared Brain Podcast, we're breaking down everything you need to know.

Hosts Peter McKinley and Jill Nelson, both Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, sit down for an in-depth conversation on one of the fastest-growing sources of charitable revenue in Canada. From a real-life story of a couple who saved hundreds of thousands in taxes while making a $2 million community gift, to the surprising role DAFs played in sustaining charitable giving during COVID-19 — this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.

Together, Peter and Jill cover:

• What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and how it works
• How DAFs differ from private foundations — and why that matters
• Key stats from CRA data: over 180,000 DAFs in Canada, giving $1.9 billion to charities last year
• Why DAF holders are among the most valuable donor prospects your organization can identify
• How DAFs may be reshaping the giving landscape even as the number of individual receipted donors declines

Whether you're a fundraising professional, a nonprofit leader, or someone exploring smarter ways to give, this episode will change how you think about charitable dollars — and how to connect with them.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Peter and Jill continue the conversation.

Subscribe, like, and share to stay up to date with new episodes. Learn more about Global Philanthropic Canada's expert consulting services at globalphilanthropic.ca or book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our award-winning senior consultants. Let's elevate mission together.

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In this episode, two expert Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, Corinne Rusch-Drutz, PhD, and Jason Muscant, MA, discuss political resilience within Canada's charitable sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact of crises, maintaining a clear mission, and developing effective communication strategies. They explore how organizations can navigate the political landscape, build relationships with political partners, and advocate for their causes while remaining focused on their core mission. You will hear practical advice to enhance your organization's resilience and adapt to changing circumstances.

To book your 30-minute complimentary session with either of these Senior Consultants, click their name above and get started!

To download the free report on political resilience for Canadian non-profits , click here. Also available in French.

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