The Pentera Blog
The Planned Gift Hiding in Plain Sight: DAF Succession Plans
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) continue to change the game in nonprofit fundraising. But beyond the usual annual grants, there’s a powerful (and often underutilized) planned giving opportunity hiding in plain sight: DAF succession plans.
According to Reinventing the Cycle: Adapting Relationship Fundraising for Donors Who Use DAFs (Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative, 2025), fundraisers across the country are finding creative and effective ways to engage DAF donors in deeper conversations. One of the most promising approaches? Talking with donors about naming your nonprofit as a successor beneficiary of their DAF.
Here’s why that matters: DAFs are already designated for charitable use. That means donors don’t have to dip into their current income to make a gift, and fundraisers often feel more confident asking for support. As one fundraiser put it, “It’s already there. I’m just asking you to consider directing part of it to us.”
That confidence can extend to legacy conversations too. The report highlights how DAF succession plans provide a natural, low-pressure entry point to discuss planned giving. Donors are often more open to the idea than expected, and some are even surprised to learn that their DAF can support organizations beyond their lifetime.
Pentera helps nonprofits tap into this opportunity. Through Pentera-hosted websites, fundraisers can easily share targeted messaging and educational content that explains how DAF succession plans work—and how they can create a lasting impact. It’s an easy way to introduce legacy giving without needing to talk trusts and wills right out of the gate.
The report’s “DAF Donor Relationship Management Cycle” offers additional guidance for identifying and stewarding DAF donors with this kind of planned giving potential. Fundraisers who segment DAF donors, follow up on even modest grants, and take time to educate donors are seeing strong results.
For nonprofits ready to make the most of their DAF donor relationships, succession planning is a smart place to start.
