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.