On Philanthropy

The growing popularity of DAFs reflects a broader shift in how many families think about wealth. Increasingly, charitable planning is no longer viewed simply as an end of life tax strategy. Instead, it is becoming part of a larger conversation about purpose, family identity, stewardship, and long term community impact.

For attorneys and advisors, understanding how DAFs intersect with estate planning has become increasingly important. For families, these tools may offer an opportunity to create not only financial efficiency, but also a more thoughtful, values aligned, and enduring charitable legacy.

Donor-advised funds are remarkable tools.

But for many people, the DAF becomes something else entirely: a place where generosity waits rather than moves. The money sits — fully committed to charity in a legal sense, but disconnected from any clear sense of purpose or direction. The account grows, the grants trickle out in response to requests, and years pass without anything that feels like a real philanthropic strategy.

The structure was designed to empower you. Too often, it ends up holding your generosity in suspension.