In this thought-provoking episode, Ted is joined by Dr. Amir Pasic, Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the world’s first school dedicated to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Known for bridging research and real-world practice, Dr. Pasic offers a rare academic perspective on donor-advised funds (DAFs), regulation, and the future of generosity.
Together, Ted and Amir explore how philanthropy is evolving, the role of research in shaping giving behavior, and why DAFs represent both continuity and quiet revolution in how we give.
Key themes in this episode include:
Separating tax benefits from generosity: How DAFs empower donors to make more deliberate and impactful giving decisions.
The evolution of giving institutions: Why DAFs mark one of the few major structural changes in philanthropy in decades.
The “5% lesson”: How regulatory intentions for private foundations became unintended ceilings, and what future DAF regulations could learn from it.
Local vs. national DAFs: The balance between the convenience of large providers and the deep community connection of local foundations.
Generosity as innovation: How giving cultures can unlock creativity, risk-taking, and freedom in societies worldwide.
Dr. Pasic’s insights challenge us to rethink generosity as both a personal act and a civic force, one that strengthens communities, inspires innovation, and shapes the next generation of philanthropy.
Whether you are a donor, advisor, policymaker, or nonprofit leader, this conversation offers data-driven perspective, intellectual depth, and hope for a more generous future.
Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.
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In this inspiring conversation, Ted is joined by Allison Fine, President of Every.org, a visionary leader transforming how technology can empower generosity. Allison is one of the most influential voices in digital innovation for social good and co-author of The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World (with Beth Kanter) and Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age.
Together, Ted and Allison explore how artificial intelligence, automation, and donor-advised funds can make giving more joyful, relational, and human than ever before.
Key themes in this episode include:
AI for empathy: How technology can free up time for deeper donor relationships rather than replace them.
Relational fundraising at scale: Treating every donor like a million-dollar donor.
The Leaky Bucket Problem: Why Only 19% of Donors Give Again and How to Fix It.
DAFs as democratizers: Making philanthropy accessible, intentional, and emotionally rewarding.
International giving made simple: How platforms like Every.org remove friction and connect donors to global causes.
This episode showcases Allison’s forward-thinking perspective on how nonprofits can strike a balance between automation and authenticity, ultimately creating a more connected, generous, and joyful world of giving.
Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find actionable ideas and renewed inspiration in this dynamic discussion.
Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.
https://amzn.to/3JACx8e
In this thought-provoking conversation, Ted is joined by Dr. Russell James, Professor of Charitable Financial Planning at Texas Tech University and one of the most respected voices in fundraising research. Dr. James has pioneered the study of donor psychology using experimental economics and even functional MRI brain scans, shaping the way nonprofits and advisors understand generosity.
Together, Ted and Dr. James explore how the science of giving can empower donors, advisors, and nonprofits to create more meaningful and impactful philanthropy.
Key themes in this episode include:
Subjective similarity and storytelling – Why donors give more when they see themselves in the story of giving.
The multi-step joy of DAFs – How donor-advised funds extend and enhance the experience of generosity.
Advisors as trusted guides – Why financial advisors are uniquely positioned to foster charitable conversations.
Building donor community – How reciprocal alliances and shared experiences lead to transformational gifts.
This episode highlights Dr. James’ contributions to The DAF Revolution and his groundbreaking research that continues to redefine modern philanthropy. The DAF Revolution is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books.
Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find practical insights and fresh perspective in this fascinating discussion.
Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.
https://amzn.to/3JACx8e
In this insightful conversation, Ted is joined by Rebecca Moffett, President of Vanguard Charitable, one of the nation’s largest and most respected donor-advised fund sponsors. Under Rebecca’s leadership, Vanguard Charitable is redefining what it means to make strategic, high-impact giving accessible to donors at every level.
Together, Ted and Rebecca explore how DAFs can be leveraged to create resilient philanthropy, advance donor goals, and maximize charitable impact in a rapidly changing landscape.
Key themes in this episode include:
Strategic philanthropy in practice – How Vanguard Charitable helps donors move from good intentions to measurable outcomes.
Recoverable grants and innovation – Why new models are expanding the tools available for donors and nonprofits alike.
Building a resilient culture of giving – Insights into how DAFs support long-term donor engagement and sector-wide impact.
Accessibility and trust – What makes DAFs powerful for both new and seasoned philanthropists.
This episode highlights Rebecca’s contributions to The DAF Revolution and her vision for the future of donor-advised funds. The DAF Revolution is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books.
Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find practical insights and fresh inspiration in this dynamic conversation.
Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.
https://amzn.to/3JACx8e
In this forward-looking conversation, Ted is joined by Adam Nash, co-founder and CEO of Daffy.org, a modern donor-advised fund platform on a mission to help people be more generous, more often. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies of 2024, Daffy is redefining charitable giving through behavioral finance, technology, and a fresh membership model.
Together, Ted and Adam explore why everyone who gives should have a donor-advised fund and how new tools are making philanthropy more inclusive and engaging across generations.
Key themes in this episode include:
The power of pre-commitment – Why setting giving goals leads donors to give 32% more
Generosity across generations – How families can use DAFs to pass on values and inspire children and grandchildren
DAF campaigns & workplace giving – New ways for donors and companies to amplify impact
A new model for the sector – Why Daffy chose a membership-based approach over traditional asset-based fees
This episode highlights Adam’s contributions to The DAF Revolution and his vision for the future of generosity. The DAF Revolution is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books.
Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find practical insights and fresh inspiration in this dynamic conversation.
Welcome to this special launch-day episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.
In this milestone conversation, Ted is joined by Joe Fisher, President and CEO of REN, a leading philanthropic technology firm entrusted with more than $20 billion in charitable assets. Joe is also the author of the Foreword to The DAF Revolution and a driving force behind efforts to modernize how advisors and donors engage with philanthropy.
Together, Ted and Joe explore what is next for donor-advised funds and why this moment signals a turning point for the sector.
Key themes in this episode include:
A call for clarity and simplicity – Why transparency, intuitive tools, and advisor empowerment are essential to building trust in the next generation of giving
The rise of “DAF 2.0” – How evolving client expectations are transforming the sector, from custom platforms to sponsor solutions
The advisor advantage – How financial professionals can ask the right questions and connect clients with the right tools
Bringing The DAF Revolution to life – Joe shares why he chose to support the book, what message it delivers to the sector, and how it aligns with REN’s mission to scale generosity through technology
This episode celebrates the official release of The DAF Revolution , a book filled with insights from more than 120 experts across philanthropy, finance, law, and technology. It is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books.
Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find inspiration and practical insight in this timely conversation.
Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.
In this conversation, Ted sits down with Matt Nash, Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, to explore how technology is reshaping donor-advised funds (DAFs) and transforming the way donors and nonprofits connect.
Matt shares an inside look at the Blackbaud Giving Fund’s role as a donor-advised fund sponsor that powers workplace giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, and global charitable support. Together, Ted and Matt unpack how digital platforms are making giving easier, faster, and more transparent — “taking the sand out of the gears” of philanthropy.
Key themes you’ll hear in this episode include:
Technology-powered DAFs: How workplace giving platforms, peer-to-peer campaigns, and digital wallets are revolutionizing donor engagement.
Ease and speed of giving: Why simple, mobile-friendly solutions encourage generosity and allow nonprofits to receive funds in days, not weeks.
Opportunities and challenges for nonprofits: What it means to receive funds through intermediaries, the importance of registering with giving platforms, and strategies for better donor stewardship.
Misconceptions about anonymity: Why more than 90% of DAF donors do provide their names and contact information — and how nonprofits can capture and use that data effectively.
The dual nature of giving decisions: How DAFs separate the “head” (tax and financial planning) from the “heart” (personal values and causes) to foster more intentional philanthropy.
Policy insights and wishes for the future: Why Matt and many others in the sector hope that Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from retirement accounts will one day be eligible for donor-advised funds.
Practical advice for all stakeholders: How donors, advisors, and nonprofit leaders can leverage DAFs to strengthen relationships and amplify impact.
Matt brings over a decade of experience helping nonprofits understand and engage with DAF donors, and in this episode, he offers clear, practical advice you can put to work immediately. From donor psychology to financial planning, from stewardship to technology integration, this conversation provides a roadmap for thriving in the fast-evolving world of donor-advised funds.
Whether you are a donor seeking to give more effectively, an advisor guiding clients, or a nonprofit leader striving to engage DAF donors more strategically, you’ll find actionable takeaways in this episode.
Join Ted Hart and Matt Nash as they shed light on how technology, trust, and DAFs are shaping the future of philanthropy.