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Engaging All Audiences

Developing the Next Generation of DAF Donors

Audience: Practitioner: Been around - looking to spark new ideas

Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
Location: Maryland 3 - 4

Sponsored By 
Discover how GoFundMe is reimagining donor-advised funds for the next generation of givers. Drawing from a community of 190 million donors and $40 billion in giving, this session explores what modern donors want: transparency, local impact, and personal connection. Learn how today’s givers—especially Gen Z—are reshaping philanthropy and why DAFs must evolve to meet the moment. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, donor, or innovator in the giving space, this session will inspire new ways to think about generosity, identity, and the future of charitable giving.

This session will explore how donor-advised funds (DAFs) can evolve to meet the expectations of today’s givers—especially younger generations who value transparency, local impact, and personal connection. Drawing from GoFundMe’s community of 190 million users and $40 billion in donations, we’ll share key insights into how charitable behavior is shifting and how traditional DAFs are falling short of meeting donors where they are. We’ll examine trends such as the growing desire to support individuals, the importance of giving during moments of crisis, and the rising demand for localized, values-aligned giving. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how identity, storytelling, and trust are shaping the future of generosity, particularly among Gen Z donors.
Attendees can expect to walk away with:
A clearer picture of what motivates modern donors and how they discover causes.
Insight into the growing overlap between personal giving and institutional philanthropy.
Inspiration and practical ideas for reimagining DAFs to be more community-centered, responsive, and aligned with the next generation’s values.
Ultimately, this session will challenge participants to think beyond traditional models—and toward a future where giving is more human, more connected, and more impactful.

Learning Objectives:

  • A clearer picture of what motivates modern donors and how they discover causes.
  • Insight into the growing overlap between personal giving and institutional philanthropy, gaining inspiration and practical ideas for reimagining DAFs to be more community-centered, responsive, and aligned with the next generation’s values.
  • Ultimately, this session will challenge participants to think beyond traditional models—and toward a future where giving is more human, more connected, and more impactful.