Turning Advisors Into Ambassadors Turning Advisors Into Ambassadors By Crystal Thompkins Director of Strategic Impact, Daylight A strong network of professional advisors can be invaluable to nonprofits. Professional advisors can serve as a resource for technical expertise and as connectors to others within their networks. Many nonprofits develop councils, create collateral, and host events to cultivate relationships with advisors in hopes of uncovering new opportunities. Much time and resources are spent engaging with advisors, yet often the effort does not yield commensurate results. Successful engagement with advisors, meaning engagement that creates a pipeline of new donor opportunities, doesn’t come solely from pleasant lunches and glossy marketing material. Here are 6 tips to help turn professional advisors into effective ambassadors: Develop an advisor engagement strategy. Advisor engagement should be strategic for and specific to your organization, not an obligation or copycat project from other organizations. Consider your organization’s goals, resources, and needs. How might professional advisors specifically (as opposed to other stakeholder groups) help reach those goals or meet a need given your available resources? What resources will you allocate and how? What are the measurable outcomes and success metrics for your advisor engagement? Events and activities should result from the strategy. They are not the strategy. Keep it simple. A sound strategy with supporting activities and clear goals does not need to be complicated. In fact, it shouldn’t be. The simpler the better. Limit activities to those that have a direct line to meeting your goals. Advisor engagement should not distract or subtract from other organizational priorities and resources. Recruit thoughtfully. With the strategy in mind, consider the profile of the advisors who will be most likely to help meet your goals and be thoughtful in selecting advisors to collaborate with. Look for criteria besides oldest/largest practice, most popular, or biggest donor. What networks are they connected to that you are not? Do they have an existing affinity to your organization? What role(s) have they demonstrated (asker, doer, host, connector, etc.)? Would you and your team enjoy working more closely with them? Keep in mind that an advisor may be a subject matter expert or a great supporter of your organization, but that may not translate into being a great ambassador. Be clear about the expectation. The most effective ambassadors know that’s their role. Let advisors know why your organization wants them to be a part of your success and how they can contribute. Instead of downplaying their commitment - “It’s only one meeting a quarter!” - be upfront about the importance of their participation in achieving your goals: “We’re relying on the connections made through our advisor networks to help meet our goals. We’ll need your active involvement to make that happen.” Give them something to do and the tools to do it. One of the best gifts you can give a busy person is instruction, so they don’t have to spend valuable time figuring out how to do something. Give your advisors tasks that are clear and time-sensitive, along with any tools that will help them. If you want them to make introductions, tell them who, how many, why, and by when. Make a digital toolkit with three bullet points on key initiatives, a 60-day calendar of events, a contact list, and an intro email template. Ask them to share it with at least X number of people a month. Let them tell you if that’s too many or too few. The specificity not only makes it easier for them to do, but it also makes it easier for you to track and report outcomes. Interact with purpose. Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a meeting, every interaction with your advisor network should include: An acknowledgement of their contribution to your success. A reminder and/or status update of their tasks. A discussion of what hurdles or barriers they’re encountering. A report of the status of goals & celebrating accomplishments. A learning moment. Time for listening to their feedback or an offer to do so at a later date. Addressing these six things will affirm their importance to your organization while establishing a sense of collaboration and accountability. ©2025 Daylight Advisors, Inc.

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. Certificates Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate 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. 73% Entrepreneurs as Philanthropists, Fidelity Charitable of entrepreneurs have spoken with an advisor about giving, compared with half of non-entrepreneurs. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand how philanthropic planning fits into the lifecycle of starting, growing, and exiting different types of business entities. Compare opportunities and challenges of charitable planning with several types of business assets. Choose potential options for a business to formalize its philanthropy or social impact program. Evaluate the potential impact of business ownership transition options on the owner and their philanthropic goals. Propose philanthropic planning solutions for a case study of a “millionaire next door” business owner. FACULTY David Flores Wilson David Flores Wilson, CFA, CFP®, CEPA®, CM&AA, Managing Partner at Sincerus Advisory, advises entrepreneurs and business owners in New York City on personal financial planning issues from formation to exit and beyond. A multiple-time Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor, his financial guidance has appeared on CNBC, Yahoo!Finance, the New York Times, US News & World Report, and InvestmentNews. David represented Guam in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, sits on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Lower East Side Girls Club, and is active with Entrepreneur's Organization, the Estate Planning Council of New York City, Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP), and the Exit Planning Institute. Denise Sarkor With over 18 years of experience at the intersection of financial services, business strategy, and human development, Denise Sarkor is Principal & Private Wealth Advisor at Sarkor Financial Advisors—a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. In this capacity, she advises trailblazing—yet underestimated—community leaders, career executives, and small business owners on their personal financial plans, portfolios, trusts, estates, and philanthropic vehicles. Denise's expertise extends beyond traditional financial services, as she focuses on helping marginalized communities in building impactful legacies through tailored financial strategies. Learn more at denisesarkor.com or sarkorfinancialadvisors.com. Lillie N. Nkenchor Lillie N. Nkenchor, Esq., LL.M. is the Founding and Managing Attorney of Lillie N. Nkenchor, PC, where she drafts estate planning and business documents and resolves complex legal issues for individuals, families, and business owners. Lillie combines legal precision with strategic insight to help clients protect assets, build generational wealth, and achieve their personal and business goals in a tax-efficient way. In addition to her legal practice, Lillie is an engaging speaker who presents to students, professionals, and community groups to educate, inspire, and empower others to plan confidently. Her mission is to demystify estate and business planning so people can move forward without fear or confusion—and take control of their financial futures. Ryan Raffin Ryan serves as Partner, Noncash Assets & Compliance, for Charitable Solutions, LLC. His work focuses on compliance, tax, and due diligence issues relating to complex charitable giving. His work involves assessment of proposed donations and liquidation of donated assets, particularly involving Dechomai Foundation, Inc. Prior to joining Charitable Solutions, Ryan graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame. He is licensed to practice in Colorado and South Carolina. Sarah Taylor Sarah Taylor is the founder of Taylor Impact Group, where she helps individuals, families, foundations, and companies build their legacy through purposeful and strategic giving. Before launching her independent practice, Sarah built and led philanthropic programs for Fortune 500 companies, like Tito's Handmade Vodka and Vista Equity Partners. She has advised executives on their personal giving, developed signature grantmaking programs, launched employee giving initiatives, and scaled cause-marketing efforts that increased brand equity and consumer loyalty. 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. Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate Modules Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship and Business Ownership Charitable and Estate Planning with Business Owners Business Philanthropy and Social Impact Choices Philanthropy as Part of Business Transition & Exit Planning Case Study Exercise, Post-Ownership, and Advisory Roles Course Format Program Type: Certificate program - asynchronous course with module quizzes Program Delivery: Readings, case study, videos, graphics, downloadable resources Program Complexity Level: Intermediate Daylight is an approved CE sponsor. Continuing education credits are eligible for completion of the Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate. CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®, RMA®: 6.5 hours CAP®, CFRE, CSPGCM : 6.5 hours Download Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate program description and program outline . Register for the Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Certificate or an Annual Certificate Subscription now! 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Who are philanthropic advisors? What services do they provide? What challenges do they face in their work? What kinds of support and resources could help them generate more impact in their communities? Daylight's Philanthropic Advisor: Professional Development, Practice, and Knowledge Gaps is the first comprehensive report to examine the unique experiences and professional needs of today's philanthropic advisors. U.S. Philanthropic Advisors 2024: Professional Development, Practice, and Knowledge Gaps Who are philanthropic advisors? What services do they provide? What challenges do they face in their work? What kinds of support and resources could help them generate more impact in their communities? Here's a look at understanding the unique experiences and professional needs of today's philanthropic advisors. Download Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Philanthropic advisors play a critical role within the philanthropic ecosystem, yet their professional experiences remain largely unmapped. Little is known about who today’s advisors are, how they learned the craft, whom they serve, and how they carry out their work to generate impact. This research is the first of several initiatives to better understand the experiences and needs of philanthropic advisors as crucial yet understudied agents of social change. The topics of inquiry include the nature of their current work and impact; whom they serve and how they do so; their experience in the field, including role tenure, salary, and supervisory responsibilities; how they stay abreast of charitable trends and apply new tools; and the specific skills and knowledge areas they seek to develop further. We conducted an online survey with 258 philanthropic advisors living in or working with clients in the United States. The term “philanthropic advisors” was defined broadly to include anyone involved in navigating the who, what, why, and how of using resources for philanthropy and social impact, either as a full-time job or as part of the role of a wealth advisor, gift planner, or other profession. KEY FINDINGS The field is becoming more diverse. Over half (51%) of the newcomers to philanthropic advising, defined as having fewer than 10 years of experience, were Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). New advisors were mostly female (65%) and in their 30s (38%). Learn more about philanthropic advisor entrepreneurs . Advisors in their 30s are leading diversity efforts. Respondents aged 30–39 reported serving more BIPOC and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) clients than their colleagues in other age cohorts. Respondents are moving billions in charitable dollars. Collectively, the respondents helped to facilitate almost $13 billion in charitable giving last year, with an individual average of $50 million. The largest category (40%) helped to facilitate between $1 million and $10 million, and the second largest category (28%) helped to facilitate between $10 million and $100 million. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) remain popular throughout the sector. Both new and senior advisors named DAFs among their most commonly used charitable tools. They were the most or second-most popular charitable tool across employer types. Explore which advisors guide donors toward DAFs—and what sets them apart. With experience comes confidence—with some exceptions. When asked to rate their knowledge levels in key skill areas, respondents reported levels of expertise that generally increased with experience, with the exception of two broad skill areas: 1) financial capital development and 2) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), intercultural, and wealth dynamics. Growth as a philanthropic advisor comes primarily from learning on the job. When asked to rate several educational resources, such as professional development programs or memberships in associations, all respondent groups described learning on the job as the most helpful to their development as advisors. VOICE OF THE ADVISOR Tony Macklin, Director of Daylight's Advisor Practice, shares how we define philanthropic advisors.

Singapore Gives — But Not Always: Here’s Why Singapore Gives — But Not Always: Here’s Why By Dien Yuen Earlier this month, I completed a training on philanthropy and social impact with a group of learners from Singapore’s wealth management and nonprofit sectors. As part of the session, we explored why people in Singapore choose to give, and why they sometimes hold back. Why People Give Six key themes emerged as we discussed why people in Singapore give. Generosity here extends far beyond charity - it is an expression of purpose, identity, and legacy. 1. Altruism & Social Impact The dominant motivation centers on helping others and improving the world. People give to multiply goodness, pay it forward, help underprivileged communities, and to uplift others. The responses reflect a deep-seated belief in social responsibility and the transformative power of collective good — giving as a means to create positive change. 2. Financial & Pragmatic Factors A secondary cluster focuses on strategic or rational benefits: tax deductions and reductions, corporate branding, and funding innovation. Here, giving is seen as both smart and impactful — aligning philanthropy with business or financial stewardship. 3. Legacy & Family Values Many view giving as an act of legacy — teaching children, honoring loved ones, or to instill good values for the next generation. This cluster highlights intergenerational philanthropy, where giving becomes a way to pass on moral and social capital. 4. Personal Fulfillment & Meaning For some, giving fulfills a personal or emotional need: feeling grateful, finding purpose, or feeding the soul. 5. Religious & Spiritual Roots Faith-based reasons, such as afterlife blessings , karma , or emptying for regeneration, play a meaningful role, underscoring how religion anchors generosity in moral duty and divine reciprocity. 6. Cultural & Moral Influences Some respondents connect giving to upbringing, tradition, or cultural expectation, especially within Asian or collectivist contexts — giving as a reflection of who we are raised to be: part of Asian culture , custodian for the future , or social theories of reciprocity and gift exchange . Why People Do Not Give Learners shared a range of personal, social, and practical reasons for why people in Singapore do not give. Seven main themes emerged, showing that hesitation stems from emotional, informational, and situational barriers. 1. Trust and Credibility Gaps A recurring barrier is distrust in charitable institutions. Many learners noted uncertainty about how funds are managed or whether donations truly reach the intended beneficiaries. Comments such as “don’t trust charities” and “lack of credibility (data)” reflect deeper concerns about transparency and accountability — highlighting the need for clearer communication and tangible evidence of impact. 2. Financial Constraints Giving may also be constrained by economic realities. Respondents mentioned “not enough money (yet)” and a “scarcity mindset” , reflecting the tension between wanting to help and needing to prioritize personal financial security. Some also perceive that some contributions would be insignificant compared to wealthier donors — a belief that diminishes motivation. 3. Awareness and Knowledge Gaps Some mentioned that people don’t know where or how to give. This indicates that information accessibility and simple giving pathways could significantly increase participation. 4. Lack of Personal Connection or Relevance Some people don’t give because charitable causes feel distant or unrelatable ( “cause does not relate to me” ). When individuals don’t see a clear connection between their values and a cause, motivation wanes. 5. Structural and Convenience Barriers Practical barriers also play a role. The comment “operational hurdle to give — not easy to donate” illustrates how inefficient systems or complex donation processes can discourage action, even among those who want to give. 6. Social and Cultural Influences Giving is also shaped by social context and cultural expectations. Phrases like “my family does not appreciate” and “kiasu mentality” reflect social norms that discourage giving or prioritize self-preservation over generosity. This indicates a social permission gap, where community attitudes can either enable or inhibit giving behavior. 7. Fatigue and Negative Experiences Some respondents suggested signs of donor fatigue or emotional burnout. Prior negative experiences — such as feeling unappreciated, over-solicited, or disappointed — can lead to disengagement. The Balance of Heart and Head Together, these insights paint a portrait of giving in Singapore that is both empathetic and evaluative. People give when it aligns with their sense of purpose and trust; they hesitate when these are absent. The future of philanthropy in Singapore, therefore, lies in bridging this gap — fostering trust, transparency, and personal connection that turn good intentions into sustained generosity. Dien Yuen with WMI October 2025

Where Do Philanthropy Advisors Come From? Papa, Where Do Philanthropy Advisors Come From? By Tony Macklin Well, son, sometimes a donor couple loves a cause very much. So much they want to put a lot of money into it… OK, maybe a child hasn’t asked you that question. But the topic comes up in the Daylight team’s conversations with philanthropy professionals. Our answer has been something like “from more than a dozen allied professions like nonprofit management, grantmaking, gift planning, and financial services.” It turns out philanthropy advisors’ backgrounds are far more diverse. During a packed session about philanthropic services at the 2023 DAF Giving Summit , we asked attendees to share their previous three jobs or roles. Forty two percent of them came from the types of philanthropy jobs you might expect: But the larger percentage listed backgrounds as varied as cowboy, bartender, ecological designer, letter carrier, marketing coordinator, social worker, and domestic violence attorney: Wildly mixed backgrounds can be a strength in the field of philanthropic advising. The diverse lived experiences will benefit clients and advisors working collaboratively. And different professions bring new angles to identifying and solving problems, involving people in decision-making, structuring client services, and more. The mix also presents challenges. The primary one, often reported by employers, is an advisor’s limited experience with the broad range of philanthropic motivations, resources, vehicles, strategies, and social impact tools clients use. To be sure, some advisors make a living only knowing about grantmaking to charities or only working in an issue such as education. But most private sector employers, and an increasing number of foundations, need generalists who can comfortably navigate multiple options, often without judging the client’s final choices. What’s Next? Over the past 18 months, Daylight team members have been developing a standardized set of competencies for philanthropic advisors, mapping where professional development programs meet those competencies, and asking advisors where they rank themselves on a scale from novice to expert. And, no surprise, we have ideas for filling gaps with new programming and research. Stay tuned for more information about our competency mapping and new programming in April! REN DAF Giving Summit 2023 ©2025 Daylight Advisors, Inc.

The Certificate in Behavioral Philanthropy offers advisors a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of how behavioral science and philanthropic advising intersect. This program integrates multidisciplinary research insights, real-world examples, and practical case studies, equipping you with the insights and tools needed to help your clients achieve their philanthropic goals. Certificates Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate The Certificate in Behavioral Philanthropy offers advisors a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of how behavioral science and philanthropic advising intersect. This program integrates multidisciplinary research insights, real-world examples, and practical case studies, equipping you with the insights and tools needed to help your clients achieve their philanthropic goals. Through a comprehensive curriculum, 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. The case studies provide a hands-on opportunity to bring to life successful strategies and innovative approaches to foster donor engagement and maximizing philanthropic impact. By the end of the program, you will gain a solid grounding in behavioral principles and be able to develop actionable strategies that can be implemented to enhance client relationships. Join us to transform the way you approach philanthropic planning, leveraging behavioral insights to empower your clients and create a lasting impact in the communities they care about. Behavioral science gives advisors a powerful edge in understanding their clients' motivations and barriers. This course will help you build stronger client relationships, craft personalized giving strategies, and position yourself as a trusted expert who delivers deeper impact and more fulfilling philanthropic outcomes. —Julia Ritz Toffoli LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify and analyze the psychological factors that influence donor behavior and the barriers they may face in their philanthropic journeys. Recognize the role of social and family dynamics in shaping philanthropic decisions, enabling you to understand diverse client motivations and engagement strategies. Apply behavioral insights through real-world case studies, allowing you to develop and implement effective strategies that foster donor engagement and maximize philanthropic impact. Plan actionable strategies tailored to individual clients’ needs, enhancing your ability to build strong relationships and drive meaningful change within the philanthropic landscape. FACULTY Julia Ritz Toffoli Julia Ritz Toffoli is an Associate Managing Director at ideas42 on the Giving Team, where she leads R&D and innovation in the philanthropic space, working with partners to design, test, and implement behaviorally informed interventions to make giving more intentional, strategic, and impactful—both for individual givers and the broader philanthropic community. Prior to joining ideas42, Julia spent nine years at the Open Society Foundations, where she helped to launch and build the Strategy Unit, delivering strategic planning guidance to grant making programs. While at OSF, Julia spearheaded the development of a training curriculum that integrated behavioral insights into strategic decision-making practice. Julia holds a Master of International Affairs in Human Rights Advocacy from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and a BA in Political Science and Sociology from McGill University. Jen Shafer Jen Shafer is a Senior Behavioral Designer on the Giving Team at ideas42 where she uses insights from behavioral science to promote equity in philanthropy by effectively diagnosing challenges, conducting research, and implementing innovative designs. Prior to ideas42, Jen worked as a management consultant, data analyst, and design researcher across a variety of industries, always with a focus on user needs and employee experiences. Jen has a B.A. in Psychology from Rice University and an M.S. from MIT in Integrated Design & Management, a multi-disciplinary degree where students from design, business, and engineering backgrounds come together to tackle complex problems using human-centered design. For her thesis, she studied intergenerational conversation and legacy storytelling as a vehicle for meaning-making and connection for older adults. Sarah Welch Sarah Welch is a Managing Director at ideas42, a social enterprise that uses insights from behavioral science to invent fresh solutions to tough social problems. Over the past decade Sarah has worked to advance behavioral innovations across various challenges, from climate and consumer finance to criminal justice and health. She now leads the organization’s work in charitable giving, partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund, National Center for Family Philanthropy, major institutions offering donor-advised funds, and dozens of other organizations in the sector. Prior to joining ideas42, Sarah completed a three-year dual degree program at Yale’s School of Management and School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, where she focused on urban resource management and planning. Sarah holds an MBA and an MEM from Yale and received her BA in Environmental Science & Public Policy from Harvard. Dien Yuen Dien Yuen is the CEO of Daylight, an innovative professional development platform that creates transformative learning experiences for advisors pursuing growth, service, and social impact. She also serves as lead faculty for philanthropy at Singapore’s Wealth Management Institute (WMI), where she was instrumental in launching Asia’s first professional philanthropic certification. She was inducted into the 2023 National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) Hall of Fame and recognized for her academic leadership with the Distinguished Faculty Award from WMI. Dien’s early career included senior roles in wealth management and global development organizations. Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate Modules Course Format Introduction to Behavioral Science Introduction to Donor Psychology Case Study: Understanding the Donor Context Behavioral Strategies for Advisors Behavioral Philanthropy in Practice Program Type: Certificate program - asynchronous course with module quizzes Program Delivery: Readings, case study, videos, graphics, downloadable resources Program Complexity Level: Intermediate Daylight is an approved CE sponsor. Continuing education credits are eligible for completion of the Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate. CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®, RMA®:  5 hours  CAP®, CFRE, CSPGCM:  5 hours  Download Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate program description and program outline . Register for the Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate or an Annual Certificate Subscription now! INDIVIDUAL OR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION CHECKOUT

Certified IPAs April 2025 Cohort Allison Brody Aurora Colindres Dana Rogers Diamond Ebony Bloom Everett Poisson Jaclyn Sablosky Julia Ge Lauren Bartolozzi Matthew Closter Molly Judge Shanan Spencer-Brown Solomon Kim Allison Parker Brantley Boyett Danese Bardot Edward Wang Evlyn Andrade Jen Goh Kathi Littmann Lauren Graham Maya Hemachandra Nneka Nwaifejokwu Shannon Stagner Sylia Obagi Andy Kastner Christy Cole Davinah Simmons Emilia Blancarte Jaber Fernanda B Nogueira Jennifer Curry Kimberlin Butler Lauren Hadi Meghan Clifford Patrick Fletcher Shannon Walker Tiffanie Purvis Aparna Rae Constance Young Devi Vat-Ho Erik Rankin George Suttles Jennifer Ryan Kimberly Bailey Lauren Sgandurra Merrick Nguyen Rebecca Mantey Shirley Kwan Tyeshia Wilson Ashlee Carter Corinne Handelman Dianne Chipps Bailey Erin Gollhofer Selfridge Jackie Demee Jordan Richardson Laura Risimini Lori Kranczer Mohamed Alansari Robyn Sneeringer Simone Hassan-Bey

Certified IPAs January 2025 Cohort Aleta Stampley Ana Gamborena Birger Stamperdahl Claudia Ehrlich Donald Wong Erin Howe Jen Shafer Jordan Brown Lauren Tudor Mary Fischer-Nassib Nancy Neal Shilpa Andalkar Xin Xin Alexander Hoffmaster Andra Kranzler Britney Nesbit Clayton Jason Douglas Page Ginger Opp Jenny Weinar Karen Mae Cheung Len Maranan-Goldstein Mary Lam-Witcher Nishita Bakshi Stacey Guadnola Alexis Miller Antoinette LeCouteur Caroline Kuebler Cris Lutz Elaine Chu Gloris Estrella Jesse Bohlin Kate Landon Liza Hanks Miguel de la Fuente-Lau Ruyi Lu Stephanie Gillis Alison Patterson Asa Tate Christal M. Cherry Denise Sarkor Elizabeth Burdette Hugh Lawson Jessica Weare Kathleen Tranovich Lora Smith Mike Todd Santi Alston Susan Caperton Amber Gonzales Vargas Asma Mahmood Christen Lee Diane N. Nguyen Emerald Adeyemi Iris Sagi Jilla Tombar Kristin Giant Marguerite Griffin Molly McAndrew Shawn Castellanos Tonya Sisco

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What trends are influencing gift planning? What trends are influencing gift planning? By Megan Bell and Dien Yuen At Daylight, we monitor trends in philanthropic advising and listen closely to advisors and gift planners working with clients and donors on the frontlines. One way we do this is by connecting some of the dots we see and asking advisors how it might apply in their day-to-day work and what's on their minds. In April, we asked attendees at the Northern California Planned Giving Council, "What trends in philanthropy or gift planning are on your minds?" We received over 60 responses written on notecards. They can be grouped into six general themes: giving styles and trends, gift planning, DAFs, demographics, AI/Tech, and concerns over the current political climate. Below are examples of what the participants shared. Do they resonate with you? We've shared our "Adapting to 8 Trends in Philanthropic Advising" presentation to over 600 non-profit and for-profit advisors in many small gatherings. The responses vary based on geography, advisor mix, client or donor sophistication level, etc. One consistent theme is that advisors are looking to broaden their definition of philanthropic planning. Adapting to 8 Trends in Philanthropic Advising Episode 1: Changing Client Base Episode 2: Evolving Definitions Episode 3: Evolving Vehicles Episode 4: Questioning Norms Episode 5: Growing Mistrust Episode 6: Wealth Planning Episode 7: AI for Good Episode 8: The Messy Marketplace

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.

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 New to the field (or seeking a refresh): Introduction to Philanthropic Planning The Introduction to Philanthropic Planning Certificate is designed for advisors seeking a foundational baseline or refresh in modern philanthropic advising. The program introduces core vocabulary, frameworks, and tools to help clients articulate purpose, align giving with values, and pursue meaningful social impact. Participants gain a clear understanding of the Philanthropic Advising Competency Model, the nine components of contemporary philanthropic planning, and the evolving social impact toolkit—including donor-advised funds, private foundations, and emerging structures. Deepen client conversations: Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate The Behavioral Philanthropy Certificate, created in partnership with ideas42 , helps advisors deepen their understanding of how behavioral science and philanthropic advising intersect. The program explores the psychological factors that influence donor behavior, common barriers to giving, decision-making processes, and the role of social and family dynamics in philanthropic outcomes. Philanthropic Planning with Women As women take a more active role 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. Philanthropic Planning with Business Owners Approximately 69% of business owners intend to incorporate charitable giving into their plans for exiting their businesses. In this certificate, you’ll learn about 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. Expand technical fluency: Impact Investing Certificate The Impact Investing Certificate equips advisors with fluency in core concepts and key terminology, an understanding of common impact investment vehicles, and the ability to evaluate 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 clientappropriate opportunities. Gift Planning Certificate (Coming Soon) 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. You’ll explore the fundamentals of gift planning, the giving vehicles every advisor should know about, and forward-thinking strategies for donating noncash assets. The curriculum blends technical expertise with cultural and values-driven insights, preparing advisors to navigate complex planning conversations and solutions for clients and organizations. Build collaborative practice: 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. You’ll explore global trends, research, and case studies on collaborative funds, giving and investing circles, women’s funds, and similar tools. Developed with Philanthropy Together , this program provides you with actionable strategies to integrate collective and collaborative giving practices into your client offerings. 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 Impact Investing Certificate - DAFgiving360 Enroll Now Annual Certificate Subscription - DAFgiving360 $1,300.00 Enroll Now