Team Daylight is working hard to support your philanthropic planning professional development needs. Help us build a visible and trusted philanthropic advising profession. Features The Philanthropic Advising Competency Model featuring Tony Macklin Press Dien Yuen recognized on Investment News' 2025 Hot List Press Thriving In The Age Of Disruption Video Podcast with Dien Yuen Press Money Meets Mission Podcast featuring Dien Yuen and Kasey Oliver Press SEE MORE Press Daylight Launches Intro to Philanthropic Planning Certificate Daylight Launches Intro to Philanthropic Planning Certificate Daylight Launches DAFopedia Daylight Launches DAFopedia Daylight Launches First-Ever Industry Standard for Phil. Advisors Daylight Launches First-Ever Industry Standard for Phil. Advisors Daylight Launches New Impact Investing Certificate Daylight Launches New Impact Investing Certificate SEE MORE Daylight News February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 SEE MORE Awards

Daylight is a global hub for philanthropic learning, practice, and research. It is home to the flagship program, the Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) Certificate Program for philanthropic and wealth advisors. Daylight Your learning partner for growth and impact. Daylight’s philanthropic advising ecosystem connects learning, credentialing, tools, and community to support wealth and philanthropic advisors. Take the first step in your learning journey with the Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate . Complimentary for all advisors. Philanthropic Advising Learning Journey - find your learning path The Impact Philanthropy Advisor certification program is designed exclusively for wealth and philanthropic advisors, to help you meet this extraordinary opportunity to grow your business, client relationships and impact. Learn More Register for a Live IPA Info Session. Brian Balduzzi, Private Client Attorney IPA has assisted me not only with understanding the tools and strategies for charitable giving but how to assist clients with their other advisors in developing plans for impact. The opportunity to engage with others around the world who are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about being a more thoughtful and impactful planner is an excellent resource for me to strengthen my network and learn from my colleagues. Certificates Elevate Your Philanthropic Advisory Practice Fulfill continuing education requirements while gaining practical insights into modern charitable planning strategies and giving topics your clients are navigating today. Get a year of unlimited access to all certificates for $1,500. Registration Now Open! Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate Complimentary for all advisors. Learn More Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate Learn more. Impact Investing Certificate Learn more. Collaborative Philanthropy Certificate Learn more. Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate Learn more. Philanthropic Planning with Women Certificate Learn more. Gift Planning Certificate Learn more. Written by advisors for advisors, DAFopedia draws on the collective intelligence of leaders from the wealth advisory and philanthropic sectors to help you navigate the evolving landscape of DAF giving and beyond. Learn More Learn from industry practitioners with our Illuminate Philanthropy podcast. Listen Now

Daylight is your philanthropic planning training partner, equipping you with the confidence, competence, and cultural dexterity to grow your practice, strengthen client relationships, and lead with impact. It is home to the flagship program, the Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) Certificate Program for philanthropic and wealth advisors. Impact Advisors Network The Impact Advisors Network (IAN) is Daylight’s professional community of practice, where advisors strengthen their work and advance the field of philanthropic advising. As an IAN member, you'll gain access to: Advisor Resources: A curated library of articles, templates, tools, and best practices shared by peer advisors to help you strengthen and refine your practice. Exclusive Programming: Members-only interactive events focused on timely and relevant topics, featuring industry leaders and members of the Daylight community. IAN members also receive exclusive access to recordings of all Daylight public webinars. Continuing Education: Earn CE credits for the Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) and other certificates, including CFP® , CAP® , CFRE, CSPGCM , CPWA® , CIMA® , and RMA® . These CE-eligible programs are available exclusively to IAN members. In-Person Connections: Build meaningful relationships with Daylight alumni through global convenings and local meet-ups. Recent IAN Programs Shaping the Field of Philanthropic Advising What the Data is Telling Us: Philanthropic Trends & Insights Fundamentals of Family Philanthropy Focus on Community Foundations Social Impact Landscape Annual Subscription Fee Certified IPAs $250 annually Certificate Holders $300 annually A shared community of practice helps advisors be more effective, create greater impact for clients and communities, and move the field forward. To encourage continued connection, graduates receive one year of complimentary IAN access after completing the Certified IPA or a Daylight certificate program.* After the complimentary year, Certified IPAs and certificate holders who are not enrolled in a subsequent Daylight program may purchase an annual IAN subscription. *Learners who have completed Introduction to Philanthropic Planning are not eligible for complimentary IAN access. IAN access is exclusively for Daylight learners. Register now to become a Certified IPA or enroll in Daylight’s certificate subscription program to join the community.

Daylight certificate programs are tailored for busy and on-the-go advisors who require flexible learning options. They're the perfect way to meet your targeted learning needs and explore technical or market segment-specific topics. DAFgiving360 has partnered with Daylight to provide complimentary access to the Impact Investing Certificate , a comprehensive learning program designed to strengthen your understanding of impact investing principles and practices. This certificate is particularly relevant to your work and includes a dedicated module focused on donor-advised funds. Take advantage of special pricing to access all certificates with an annual subscription. CERTIFICATE OFFERINGS Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate The Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate, created in partnership with ideas42 , offers advisors a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of how behavioral science and philanthropic advising intersect. You will explore the psychological factors influencing donor behavior, donor barriers, decision-making processes, and the impact of social and family dynamics on philanthropic giving. By the end of the program, you will gain a solid grounding in behavioral principles and develop actionable strategies that can be implemented to enhance client and donor relationships and drive meaningful change in the philanthropic landscape. Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners More than 99% of U.S. companies are privately owned. Their founders and owners contribute more money and time than non-entrepreneurs. They’re more likely to consider themselves philanthropists, to be hands-on in their philanthropy, and to leave legacy gifts. Additionally, approximately 69% of these business owners intend to incorporate charitable giving into their plans for exiting their businesses. In this certificate, you’ll learn about demographic trends in wealth building through business ownership and the philanthropic planning implications of various business structures and assets. You’ll gain insights into frameworks for managing companies’ philanthropy and social impact programs. You’ll also learn about your role in helping business owners find their purpose and meet philanthropic planning goals before, during, and after exits from their businesses. Collaborative Philanthropy Certificate Donors and foundations increasingly want to work alongside other donors. They want to leverage their peers’ knowledge, resources, and lists of effective nonprofits, movements, and impact investments. But how will they navigate the hundreds of choices available? As an advisor, you have a unique opportunity to help clients and donors increase their impact and satisfaction through the power of collective and collaborative giving. In this certificate, you’ll dive into global trends and cutting-edge research, learn to compare and assess options for clients, and engage with real-world case studies highlighting how donors are using collaborative funds, giving and investing circles, women’s funds, and similar tools. Created in partnership with Philanthropy Together , the Collaborative Philanthropy Certificate will provide you with actionable strategies to integrate the power of collective and collaborative giving practices into your client offerings. Gift Planning Certificate With more than $105 trillion passing to the next generation and $18 trillion to charities, now is the time for advisors to deepen their expertise in gift planning to effectively support their clients' philanthropic plans. The Gift Planning Certificate equips advisors with the knowledge and tools to help clients make meaningful, tax-efficient gifts that reflect their values and create lasting legacies. This certificate program explores the fundamentals of gift planning, the giving vehicles every advisor should know about, and forward-thinking strategies for donating noncash assets. It also examines emerging trends in philanthropy and how advisors can leverage them to create positive outcomes for both clients and their communities. The curriculum blends technical expertise with cultural and values-driven insights, preparing advisors to navigate complex planning conversations and solutions for clients and the organizations they care about. Impact Investing Certificate The Impact Investing Certificate enables advisors to develop fluency in core concepts and key terminology, explore common investment vehicles, and assess how impact strategies can complement and extend traditional philanthropy by balancing financial performance with measurable social and environmental outcomes. The curriculum addresses evolving market dynamics, regulatory considerations, and client-appropriate opportunities. Through examples and insights from experienced practitioners, advisors gain practical tools to confidently introduce impact investing to clients. Introduction to Philanthropic Planning The Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate offers a quick, practical entry for professional advisors and philanthropic leaders who are increasingly called upon to help clients or donors give effectively. Wealthy clients now expect guidance beyond technical solutions, and younger generations are seeking clarity around purpose and impact while using tools beyond tax-deductible gifts. Advisors willing to facilitate conversations about modern philanthropy will have the edge in client attraction and retention during the historic transfer of wealth. Philanthropic Planning with Women Today, women control over $10 trillion, a third of US household financial assets. By 2030, they will control $34 trillion in financial assets as part of the Great Wealth Transfer. As women become more active in financial decision-making, understanding their goals and investment preferences is a business imperative. As clients, women are more likely to donate to charities, want to involve their families in philanthropy, and invest in social and environmental impact goals. In this certificate, you’ll gain insights into the differentiated needs, preferences, and behaviors of women in managing their finances and how those decisions are reflected in their philanthropy and social impact goals. CERTIFICATES OFFER FLEXIBLE ONLINE LEARNING Our online certificate programs provide you with the knowledge to confidently support the needs and expectations of your clients. They're designed to help you immediately leverage new skills, build stronger relationships, and showcase your expertise. Each certificate program includes four to six modules and can be completed online at your own pace. Continuing education credits are available for each program. Individual Certificates Annual Subscription Flexible, online access 🟡 🟡 Interact with an online community of practitioners 🟡 🟡 Continuing education hours available 🟡 🟡 Be a part of the Impact Advisors Network ($300 value) 🟡 🟡 Deep dive into a specific topic or client segment 🟡 🟡 Access all certificates ($4,800 value) 🟡 Showcase your expertise Certificate of Completion Certificate of Completion Daylight is an approved CE sponsor. Continuing education credits are available for all certificate programs. CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION The Circle learning platform cannot be accessed using the schwab.com domain. Please register using your personal email address. Impact Investing Certificate - DAFgiving360 Add to Cart Annual Certificate Subscription - DAFgiving360 $1,300.00 Add to Cart

Daylight is your philanthropic planning training partner, equipping you with the confidence, competence, and cultural dexterity to grow your practice, strengthen client relationships, and lead with impact. Certificate programs are tailored for busy and on-the-go advisors who require flexible learning options. Certificates Certificate programs are tailored for busy and on-the-go advisors who require flexible learning options. They're the perfect way to meet your targeted learning needs and explore technical or market segment-specific topics. Clients who receive charitable planning are more loyal and likely to recommend their advisors. Advisors who offer charitable planning Net Promoter Score: 67 Advisors who don't offer charitable planning Net Promoter Score: 49 https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/content/dam/fc-public/docs/insights/on-the-leading-edge-report.pdf 6x Assets Firms that offer charitable planning had 6x the median assets of those that do not. 3x Organic Growth Firms that offer charitable planning had 3x the median organic growth of those that do not. 1.3x New Money Firms that offer charitable planning had 1.3x the median new money per investor of those that do not. https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/content/dam/fc-public/docs/insights/on-the-leading-edge-report.pdf CERTIFICATE OFFERINGS Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate The Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate, created in partnership with ideas42 , offers advisors a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of how behavioral science and philanthropic advising intersect. You will explore the psychological factors influencing donor behavior, donor barriers, decision-making processes, and the impact of social and family dynamics on philanthropic giving. By the end of the program, you will gain a solid grounding in behavioral principles and develop actionable strategies that can be implemented to enhance client and donor relationships and drive meaningful change in the philanthropic landscape. Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners More than 99% of U.S. companies are privately owned. Their founders and owners contribute more money and time than non-entrepreneurs. They’re more likely to consider themselves philanthropists, to be hands-on in their philanthropy, and to leave legacy gifts. Additionally, approximately 69% of these business owners intend to incorporate charitable giving into their plans for exiting their businesses. In this certificate, you’ll learn about demographic trends in wealth building through business ownership and the philanthropic planning implications of various business structures and assets. You’ll gain insights into frameworks for managing companies’ philanthropy and social impact programs. You’ll also learn about your role in helping business owners find their purpose and meet philanthropic planning goals before, during, and after exits from their businesses. Collaborative Philanthropy Certificate Donors and foundations increasingly want to work alongside other donors. They want to leverage their peers’ knowledge, resources, and lists of effective nonprofits, movements, and impact investments. But how will they navigate the hundreds of choices available? As an advisor, you have a unique opportunity to help clients and donors increase their impact and satisfaction through the power of collective and collaborative giving. In this certificate, you’ll dive into global trends and cutting-edge research, learn to compare and assess options for clients, and engage with real-world case studies highlighting how donors are using collaborative funds, giving and investing circles, women’s funds, and similar tools. Created in partnership with Philanthropy Together , the Collaborative Philanthropy Certificate will provide you with actionable strategies to integrate the power of collective and collaborative giving practices into your client offerings. Gift Planning Certificate With more than $105 trillion passing to the next generation and $18 trillion to charities, now is the time for advisors to deepen their expertise in gift planning to effectively support their clients' philanthropic plans. The Gift Planning Certificate equips advisors with the knowledge and tools to help clients make meaningful, tax-efficient gifts that reflect their values and create lasting legacies. This certificate program explores the fundamentals of gift planning, the giving vehicles every advisor should know about, and forward-thinking strategies for donating noncash assets. It also examines emerging trends in philanthropy and how advisors can leverage them to create positive outcomes for both clients and their communities. The curriculum blends technical expertise with cultural and values-driven insights, preparing advisors to navigate complex planning conversations and solutions for clients and the organizations they care about. Impact Investing Certificate The Impact Investing Certificate enables advisors to develop fluency in core concepts and key terminology, explore common investment vehicles, and assess how impact strategies can complement and extend traditional philanthropy by balancing financial performance with measurable social and environmental outcomes. The curriculum addresses evolving market dynamics, regulatory considerations, and client-appropriate opportunities. Through examples and insights from experienced practitioners, advisors gain practical tools to confidently introduce impact investing to clients. Introduction to Philanthropic Planning The Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate offers a quick, practical entry for professional advisors and philanthropic leaders who are increasingly called upon to help clients or donors give effectively. Wealthy clients now expect guidance beyond technical solutions, and younger generations are seeking clarity around purpose and impact while using tools beyond tax-deductible gifts. Advisors willing to facilitate conversations about modern philanthropy will have the edge in client attraction and retention during the historic transfer of wealth. Philanthropic Planning with Women Today, women control over $10 trillion, a third of US household financial assets. By 2030, they will control $34 trillion in financial assets as part of the Great Wealth Transfer. As women become more active in financial decision-making, understanding their goals and investment preferences is a business imperative. As clients, women are more likely to donate to charities, want to involve their families in philanthropy, and invest in social and environmental impact goals. In this certificate, you’ll gain insights into the differentiated needs, preferences, and behaviors of women in managing their finances and how those decisions are reflected in their philanthropy and social impact goals. 84% of individual investors say they're interested in using their investing dollars to affect social and environmental change. Source: Morgan Stanley's Sustainable Investing Report 79% of investors agree they would be much more loyal to a financial advisor who actively helps them invest in a way that also has positive impact on the world. Source: Nuveen's Sixth Annual Responsible Investing Survey CERTIFICATES OFFER FLEXIBLE ONLINE LEARNING Our online certificate programs provide you with the knowledge to confidently support the needs and expectations of your clients. They're designed to help you immediately leverage new skills, build stronger relationships, and showcase your expertise. Each certificate program includes four to six modules and can be completed online at your own pace. Continuing education credits are available for each program. Individual Certificates Annual Subscription Nonprofit & Solo Practitioner $700 $1,400 For Profit $800 $1,500 Flexible, online access 🟡 🟡 Interact with an online community of practitioners 🟡 🟡 Continuing education hours available 🟡 🟡 Be a part of the Impact Advisors Network ($300 value) 🟡 🟡 Deep dive into a specific topic or client segment 🟡 🟡 Access all certificates ($4,800 value) 🟡 Showcase your expertise Certificate of Completion Certificate of Completion Daylight is an approved CE sponsor. Continuing education credits are available for all certificate programs. Still have questions? See our FAQs . Download Certificate Program Description here . CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION Add to Cart Best Value Annual Certificate Subscription Add to Cart Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate Add to Cart Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate Add to Cart Collaborative Philanthropy Certificate Coming Soon Gift Planning Certificate Add to Cart Impact Investing Certificate Add to Cart Complimentary Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate Add to Cart Philanthropic Planning with Women Certificate To purchase certificates or subscriptions for multiple learners, please select the appropriate box during checkout and email learn@daylightadvisors.com after completing payment. For 10 or more learners , please email learn@daylightadvisors.com and a Daylight team member will contact you.

The Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate offers a quick, practical entry for professional advisors and philanthropic leaders who are increasingly called upon to help clients or donors give effectively. Certificates Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate The Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate offers a quick, practical entry for professional advisors and philanthropic leaders who are increasingly called upon to help clients or donors give effectively. Wealthy clients now expect guidance beyond technical solutions, and younger generations are seeking clarity around purpose and impact while using tools beyond tax-deductible gifts. Advisors willing to facilitate conversations about modern philanthropy will have the edge in client attraction and retention during the historic transfer of wealth. This Certificate is designed for wealth advisors, private client attorneys, CPAs, trust officers, family office staff, and nonprofit professionals seeking a fundamental baseline or refresh in philanthropic advising. It provides essential vocabulary, frameworks, and conversational techniques to clarify and support clients’ decisions about purpose, giving, and social impact. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the knowledge and skills required for effective advising within the Philanthropic Advising Competency Model. Describe the nine components of modern philanthropic planning, including representative client deliverables. Explain the fundamentals of the modern social impact toolkit, including donor-advised funds, private foundations, and emerging structures and trends. Apply conversation prompts to lead discovery discussions that surface client values, purpose, and legacy goals. Predict how the advisor’s role will evolve as a collaborator with others across the stages of developing and implementing philanthropic plans. FACULTY Tony Macklin Tony Macklin leads the development of new education programs and field-building projects as Daylight’s Director of Advisor Practice. He is a philanthropist, philanthropoid, and philanthropy geek. Tony enjoys working at the intersection of meaningful giving and community results, specifically connecting older, established forms of philanthropy with emerging trends and experiments. Tony helps donors, families, grantmakers, and their advisors and associations answer questions about shared purpose, use of resources for social impact, governance, strategy, and assessment. He is a frequent speaker, trainer, and author. Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate Modules Laying the Groundwork Preparing for Meaningful Impact Course Format Program Type: Certificate program - asynchronous with module quizzes Program Delivery: Readings, videos, graphics, downloadable resources Program Complexity Level: Overview Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate is complimentary for all advisors. Daylight is an approved CE sponsor. Continuing education credits are eligible for completion of the Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate. CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®, RMA®:  2 hours  CAP®, CFRE, CSPGCM:  2 hours  Download the Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate program description and program outline . Register for the Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate or an Annual Certificate Subscription now. INDIVIDUAL OR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION CHECKOUT

Daylight equips wealth and philanthropic advisors with the confidence, competence, and cultural dexterity to grow their practices, strengthen client relationships, and lead with impact. Our Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) program and certificate offerings establish a new benchmark for excellence in philanthropic planning education. IPA Live Info Sessions Next info session: March 12, 2026 at 9 am PT/12 pm ET Join an upcoming live Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) information session and learn how IPA can take your philanthropic planning expertise to the next level! We will provide additional details about IPA, the learner experience, and how it can help accelerate your technical, relational, and practical skills to support philanthropic clients and grow your practice. Whether you’re a client-facing advisor, development professional, or seasoned practitioner, you’ll learn what sets IPA apart from other professional development programs in philanthropic planning. Register Now Upcoming Info Session Dates March 12, 2026 9 am PT/12 pm ET May 14, 2026 9 am PT/12 pm ET April 1, 2026 12 pm PT/3 pm ET June 10, 2026 12 pm PT/3 pm ET Meet Our IPA Team and Faculty Members Dien Yuen Crystal Thompkins Tony Macklin Megan Lemieux Bell

Rick Peck Rick Peck (He/Him) Consultant, Advisor Practice rick@daylightadvisors.com Rick Peck works with Daylight in our Advisor Practice engagements. Rick is an independent philanthropy advisor with Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC working with nonprofits, donors, potential donors, and professional advisors. He is also the founder of The Philanthropy Guy, LLC, an emerging, leading-edge charitable giving resource hub featuring a bi-weekly podcast series, interactive website, and asynchronous and live learning opportunities, and is releasing a book on the basics of nonprofit fundraising in 2025. Rick is an honoree of NH Business Review's list of the NH 200 for 2024 which features New Hampshire’s most influential business leaders across major industries, like the nonprofit industry. He is also recognized in the MYCPE ONE Excellence Awards 2024 as one of the Top Speakers and Content Creators. From July 2023 through January 2024, Rick served as interim VP for Development at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which is the largest community foundation in the world. For six years prior to that, as VP for Development and Philanthropy Services, Rick led the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s philanthropy and donor services team, overseeing all aspects of development, donor engagement, and donor services. Before joining this statewide community foundation, Rick served Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College as director of individual giving and gift planning, where he worked with grateful patients and families as well as medical school alumni to achieve their philanthropic goals. He also served Dartmouth College as an associate director of gift planning, working with alumni of the undergraduate college. Rick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and a Chartered Financial Consultant®. He holds an MBA from Baker College in Michigan and a BA from the University of Massachusetts. Rick is the 2023-2025 President of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP). He is also a member of the American College of Financial Services’ inaugural FinServe network of philanthropic thought leaders. Rick is a requested speaker on the topic of philanthropy on platforms such as Leimberg Information Services (LISI), myCPE, and CPA Academy. And, he has served as a presenter for conferences organized by AFP-NNE and Volunteer NH, as well as more intimate settings for UMass Lowell, Ameriprise, Ledyard Financial Advisors, and the Fairfield County Community Foundation. LinkedIn

Illuminate Philanthropy is the only podcast dedicated to the art and practice of philanthropic advising. Each episode explores emerging trends shaping the field, unpacks tools and vehicles for social impact, and addresses practice management challenges with leading industry experts. Welcome to Illuminate Philanthropy, the podcast by and for advisors dedicated to exploring the latest news and trends in the world of philanthropy and social impact. We dive into current topics, innovative trends, and the future of philanthropy with Daylight’s learners, faculty, and advisory board—practitioners who are influencing the future of philanthropy and fostering meaningful change. Our guests share unique perspectives and valuable insights into their career paths, professional development, and how they've built successful practices.

Rebecca Rothey Rebecca Rothey (She/Her) Consultant, Enterprise Development rebecca@daylightadvisors.com Rebecca Rothey, CFRE, CAP®, AEP®, IPA, engages advisors and nonprofit professionals as part of our enterprise development efforts. Rebecca, is a recognized speaker and trainer in philanthropic advising and charitable gift planning. She provides essential technical insights for advisors working with clients and fundraisers, as well as for development professionals engaging with donors and their advisors. Her tenure as Director of Major and Planned Giving at the Baltimore Community Foundation (2012–2015) ignited her passion for community foundations and their role in helping donors give back. She later served as Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Greater Washington Community Foundation (2016–2022) and now continues as Senior Advisor. Her experience in Baltimore also includes leadership roles as Director of Gift Planning at The Johns Hopkins University and Medicine and Director of Planned and Principal Gifts at Catholic Charities of Baltimore. She began her career in gift planning at the American Red Cross of Central Maryland as Manager of Major and Planned Gifts. Rebecca serves on the editorial advisory board of Planned Giving Today and has held leadership roles in professional organizations, including the Baltimore Estate Planning Council and the Chesapeake Planned Giving Council, where she served as president, and the Washington, DC Estate Planning Council. LinkedIn

Who Recommends Donor-Advised Funds? Who Recommends Donor-Advised Funds? By Dien Yuen Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are now among the most widely used charitable vehicles in the U.S., prized for their flexibility, administrative ease, and tax advantages. But who is recommending DAFs to donors and clients? What are their backgrounds, and where do they work? Daylights’ 2024 survey of 258 philanthropy advisors sheds light on these questions. Of the respondents, 140 (54%) reported having used or recommended DAFs in the prior three years, while 42 (16%) said they had not. By examining both groups, we can gain a deeper understanding of who these advisors are, where they work, and how their backgrounds influence their practices. The Broad Definition of Philanthropy Advisors The survey defined “philanthropy advisors” broadly - anyone engaged in navigating the who, what, why, and how of using resources for philanthropy and social impact. This included full-time philanthropic advisors as well as wealth advisors, tax advisors, attorneys, accountants, gift planners, or other nonprofit professionals. Where Advisors Who Recommend DAFs Work Advisors who used or recommended DAFs in the past three years most often work in community foundations or similar organizations (42%). By contrast, those who did not use or recommend DAFs were far more likely to be self-employed (54%). This suggests that advisors embedded in institutions that sponsor or manage DAFs are much more likely to recommend them than their peers in independent practice. Question: Which of the following best describes your current employer/business? Category DAF Users Non-DAF Users Consulting practice or firm (self-employed) 34% 54% Community foundation or similar organization 42% 4% Nonprofit organization 14% 28% Consulting practice or firm (as an employee or consultant) 10% 15% Advisor Backgrounds and Experience The survey shows that advisors who recommend DAFs come from diverse backgrounds. While 20% had 10–14 years in the field, many had either less than 10 years (25%) or over 20 years (40%) of experience. Non-DAF users skewed slightly older, with higher percentages in the 60+ range. Among DAF users, 70% were women, 17% were Black, and 16% identified as LGBTQ+—slightly more diverse than the non-DAF group. California, Washington, and Pennsylvania topped the list for DAF-recommending advisors’ locations. Clients Served Both DAF users and nonusers primarily serve individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations. More DAF users than nonusers describe more than half their clients as builders of new wealth, as opposed to inheritors of existing wealth. Question: What types of clients does your current employer/business serve? (Select all that apply.) Category DAF Users Non-DAF Users Businesses and social enterprises 61% 32% Community foundations 59% 44% Donor-advised funds 64% 32% Donor/funder collaboratives or issue funds 68% 43% Individuals and families 82% 78% Nonprofit organizations 77% 59% Operating foundations 42% 35% Private foundations 63% 52% Research groups 36% 7% What Services Do They Provide? Advisors who recommend DAFs often integrate charitable vehicle selection into a broader suite of services: 82% help clients define purpose and values. 77% develop impact strategies for charitable vehicles. 68% specifically guide clients in choosing and establishing vehicles such as DAFs, foundations, or trusts. Non-DAF users were less likely to provide this technical guidance, suggesting they may focus more on values-based advising, fundraising, or nonprofit-side donor engagement. Learning, Knowledge, and Professional Resources DAF users and nonusers rank learning on the job as most helpful to their learning and development as advisors. DAF users also note relationships with mentors to be helpful, while nonusers rank resources they find on their own—such as books, blogs, and online forums—as key to their learning. Advisors were asked to assess their current levels of knowledge across several key areas. DAF users and nonusers report equal levels of skill in the areas of client resource identification, financial capital development, and teaming and collaboration with other fields. However, DAF users rate themselves as more skilled than nonusers in the areas of sector knowledge, philanthropic planning and strategy development, charitable tools selection, and vehicle selection. Twice as many nonusers than DAF users consider themselves to be novices in financial capital development. The Bigger Picture DAFs are not the only tool advisors recommend—direct gifts, bequests, and private foundations also feature heavily—but they remain the most widely used across nearly all employer types. In short, advisors who recommend DAFs tend to be more institutionally connected and more confident in the technical aspects of charitable planning. For donors and clients, this means that working with such advisors often leads to clearer guidance on when and how to use DAFs alongside other vehicles like bequests or private foundations. For nonprofits, it underscores the importance of building relationships with advisors, since they play a pivotal role in steering charitable dollars. And for the advisors themselves, the findings highlight both the opportunities and responsibilities of recommending tools that can shape how, when, and where philanthropy flows. ©2025 Daylight Advisors, Inc.

Earning the Impact Philanthropic Advisor certification signifies the successful completion of a rigorous 12-module program designed to cultivate the relational, technical, and practical skills essential for effective philanthropic planning. Through independent study and collaborative discussions, the program further enhances the capabilities of advisors to support the evolving needs and expectations of families, organizations, and communities. Edit About Chat Experience User Faculty Camera Fees Mail Register THE IMPACT PHILANTHROPY ADVISOR CERTIFICATION Daylight’s learning platform and network are designed exclusively for wealth and philanthropic advisors, to help you meet this extraordinary opportunity to grow your business, client relationships and impact. Your home for lifelong learning, Daylight has something for all advisor skill levels and roles – and becoming an Impact Philanthropy Advisor is where you start . With a mix of expert facilitation and on-demand instruction available online over 20 weeks, the Impact Philanthropy Advisor certificate (IPA) offers the skills and connections to confidently support the needs and expectations of families, organizations and communities today. IPA will help you: Deepen client relationships Seize growth opportunities Accelerate and share your skills Spark social impact and family legacies It’s a transformative era for wealth and philanthropy, requiring new competencies and cultural dexterity to thrive. Amidst a historic $124 trillion intergenerational transfer of wealth, clients are turning to advisors for more than investments and tax planning, and philanthropy’s tools, considerations and goals have become more complex. It’s the perfect time to skill up with IPA. Register for a live info session. THE IPA EXPERIENCE The Impact Philanthropy Advisor certification is a state-of-the-art learning program crafted with decades of experience in philanthropic advising, wealth management and philanthropic education. IPA participants will receive • 20 weeks of learning designed by expert advisors • On-demand content and case studies • Live group discussions facilitated by industry practitioners • New peer connections within your cohort • Continuing education credits • Complimentary content just for IPAs • First access to the Impact Advisors Network • Celebrations and graduation invitations IPA WILL ADVANCE YOUR PRACTICE IN 3 AREAS TECHNICAL Align client values and priorities to achieve philanthropic objectives Assess features and benefits of charitable and non-charitable giving tools Integrate giving strategies within wealth, estate, tax, and philanthropic planning opportunities RELATIONAL Apply a cultural dexterity framework to support a range of client generations and backgrounds Identify the phases of the client impact journey and motivations Develop your skills and personal style to deepen philanthropic conversations PRACTICAL Examine the current philanthropic landscape, trends and debates Develop a sustainable philanthropic strategy and expand client relationships Assess the ethical obligations of a philanthropy advisor IPA MODULES Fundamentals in Philanthropic Advising Evolving demands for social impact services from different client segments; the new map of social impact advising services and competencies Social Impact Landscape Trends in uses of resources across multiple sectors; networks and associations in philanthropy; current policy and practice debates Art of Philanthropic Advising Modalities of advising; challenging assumptions of our roles; client philanthropic journeys; techniques to support progress Purpose and Strategy Developing client values, desired impact, understanding of the ecosystem, strategy statement; addressing inequities Charitable Tax Planning Substantiation; types of assets to give and identifying opportunities to use those assets; gift acceptance policies and donor due diligence Legacy and Gift Planning Application of tools such as bequests, life estates, retirement assets, life insurance, charitable trusts, and charitable gift annuities Foundations and Donor Advised Funds Advantages, disadvantages, critiques, applicability of charitable vehicles for grantmaking and operating programs Impact Investing and Alternative Tools Advantages, disadvantages, critiques, applicability of forms of impact investing and types of purpose-led businesses Influence, Leverage, & Civic Action Use of advocacy, lobbying, crowdfunding, movement building, and similar tools and strategies Planning for Your Philanthropic Advising Work Anticipating clients’ future needs; clarifying value propositions and advisor collaborations; personal development agendas Ethics in Philanthropic Advising Defining responsibilities to self, client, community, and the profession Cultural Dexterity Understanding how our social identities, family traditions, and cultural backgrounds influence wealth, estate, and philanthropic planning Daylight is an approved continuing education (CE) provider for the following organizations and programs: CFP Board | Certified Financial Planner® Investments and Wealth Institute | Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Certified Investment Management Analyst®, Retirement Management Advisor® The American College of Financial Services | Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® The American Institute for Philanthropic Studies, California State University Long Beach | Certified Planned Giving Specialist® Certified Fund Raising Executive International | CFRE Successful completion of the IPA program provides 16 hours of eligible CE credit (14.5 eligible hours of CFP® charter holders). WHO NEEDS TO BE AN IPA? Social impact is not just for specialists. Whether in a wealth management firm, DAF sponsor or community foundation, family office, grantmaker or nonprofit, many roles benefit from fluency in philanthropy. IPA is for: Client-facing advisors and team members, to better understand your clients and their families, the options available to them, and to collaborate with fellow advisors. Business development roles, to be nimble and opportunistic with the demands of U/HNW families today. Planning and philanthropic specialists, to support junior team members, and for advanced leaders to update their knowledge and be first to access new courses. Associates interested in social change, to further their career development and boost corporate loyalty and retention. FACULTY Tony Macklin, CAP® Daylight Aquanetta Betts JD, AEP®, CAP®, CFRE Johnson Betts, LLC Steve Grourke CAP®, CFRE National Park Foundation Cris Lutz, CAP®, CSPG The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens Dien Yuen JD/LLM, CAP®, AEP® Daylight Beth Harper Briglia CPA, CAP® Philanthropic Advisor Andrew Ho, MBA, CAP® National Academy of Sciences Rick Peck CAP®, CFP®, ChFC®, IPA Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC Crystal Thompkins CAP®, CSPGCM Daylight Ginni Galicinao, ACFBA, ACFWA, CAP®, CPCC, ORSC Dynamics of Family Wealth Seth Klukoff Eoan Strategies, LLC Rebecca Rothey CFRE, CAP®, AEP® Nishita Bakshi MBA, MSAE Philanthropy Advisor Mark Greer, MBA, CAP® Phīla Engaged Giving Shelly Kurtz Eagle Pointe Advisors FEES You have the chance to participate in the most ambitious, modern philanthropic learning opportunity available, and benefit from Daylight’s national network and years of instructional and practitioner expertise. IPAs can immediately leverage new skills, connections and visibility with clients and teams, and in the marketplace. Special partnership opportunities are available for organizations interested in maximizing IPA’s national kickoff. About 30 hours, start-to-finish 12-15 advisors per group 12 self-paced modules 5 case studies 10 live virtual cohort conversation HOW IT WORKS For Profit: $2,850 Nonprofit & Independent Practitioners: $2,500 FEES (Discount codes cannot be combined with other offers.) Cohorts starting in April and July . Still have questions? See our FAQs . Register for a live info session. Download IPA program description. REGISTER ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. IPA About Experience Faculty Fees Register IPA: A New Standard for Impact Quick Links About Experience Who Faculty Fees Register