Hi - Carol here
Last week, Fidelity Charitable hosted a webinar for nonprofits and shared actionable tips in this presentation to help organizations like yours connect with Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) donors.
Here’s a quick recap of the top takeaways:
Tip 1: Make Sure Donors Can Find You
If a donor can’t find you, they can’t fund you.
Match your marketing name to your IRS-registered name. Avoid confusion by using your legal name on donation platforms and print materials.
Make your Tax ID easy to find by placing it prominently on your website.
Update your profiles on sites like GuideStar (now part of Candid), Charity Navigator, and GreatNonprofits. Many donors use these databases to research giving opportunities.
Use Fidelity’s Donor Demo Tool to see how your nonprofit appears to their donors—it’s an eye-opener.
Tip 2: Thank the Donor—Not Fidelity
This one’s big. Many nonprofits mistakenly send thank-you letters to Fidelity instead of the actual donor. Here’s the truth:
By default, Fidelity shares the donor’s name and mailing address when a grant is made. That means the donor must actively opt out to remain anonymous.
So in most cases, you already have what you need to:
Acknowledge the right person.
Send a personalized thank-you letter.
Begin building a relationship.
Fidelity designed it this way intentionally—to help you connect with your supporters. Use it to your advantage.
Tip 3: Invite Deeper Engagement
A DAF grant recommendation isn’t the end of the road—it’s an invitation because a donor who recommends a grant is showing serious interest. Don’t let that be a one-time interaction.
Instead, triage and steward them toward deeper engagement. For example:
Tag them in your CRM as a DAF donor.
Invite them for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Offer a conversation with a program lead or staff expert.
Show them the impact of their generosity firsthand.
These donors are already invested. With thoughtful outreach, you can turn a one-time gift into long-term support.
Tip 4: Promote DAF Features That Benefit You
Help donors use the features of their DAFs that can drive consistent, long-term giving to your organization. The DAF tools and features are designed to benefit you as the nonprofit. So take advantage - educate and encourage donors to:
Schedule recurring grants that provide reliable support.
Pre-schedule future grants to align with your fundraising calendar.
Name your organization as a successor on their DAF—turning their fund into a legacy for your mission.
These small actions can lead to predictable, reliable income for your mission.
Tip 5: Include DAFs in Your Fundraising Messaging
DAFs are mainstream—let your donors know they can support you this way.
Make it clear that you accept DAF gifts appeals, website, marketing materials and donation options. If your donation page only lists PayPal, Apple Pay, or credit cards, you may get the occasional $50 gift—but DAFs can turn that into $500 or more with zero processing fees.
Add a DAF Direct widget from DAF Direct that links your website to Fidelity and other sponsors. It pre-fills your nonprofit info and makes giving simple.
Bonus Tip: Get Your DAF Funds Faster
Don’t wait for a check in the mail. Sign up for Fidelity’s Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and receive donations via secure, direct deposit. It’s fast, safe, and free.
Now, are you ready to get found and funded?
Fidelity emphasized the importance of updating your nonprofit’s online profiles as the #1 way to improve your visibility to DAF donors.
If your profiles are outdated—or you’re not sure where to start—I can help.
My DAF Profile Update Service, makes it easy for donors to find and fund you - Check out the details here
Cheers to your impact
Carol