Jackie Demee, IPA Manager, Programs LinkedIn

Milan Ball, MA, CFRM, IPA Milan Ball (She/Her) Senior Consultant, Advisor Practice LinkedIn

Bleu Blakslee, IPA Bleu Blakslee (She/Her) Senior Consultant, Advisor Practice bleu@daylightadvisors.com Bleu Blakslee supports Daylight's Advisor Practice engagements. Bleu is a nationally and internationally noted expert in philanthropy with more than 35 years of experience working with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and nonprofits. She has designed and implemented giving strategies that combine cultural relevance, complex assets, and measurable impact. Bleu held senior roles at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a top U.S.-based medical nonprofit with global partnerships, Save the Children, a 105+ year-old humanitarian organization active in over 115 countries, and others. Her leadership has focused on cross-border giving, innovation, NextGen strategy, innovation, and high-impact giving, with thought leadership represented at events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, the United Nations General Assembly, with attendance at various global convenings such as AVPN in Abu Dhabi. LinkedIn

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.

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

Crystal Thompkins, CAP®, CSPG, IPA Crystal Thompkins (She/Her) Director, Strategic Impact crystal@daylightadvisors.com Crystal Thompkins is Director of Strategic Impact, leading the development of Daylight’s community of practice for professional advisors. Crystal brings a depth of experience with over 20 years of experience in planned giving program management and organizational support and family legacy planning across the wealth spectrum. She is committed to building relationships and collaborating across the philanthropic sector to create an advisor community prepared for the future of philanthropy. Crystal is a frequent speaker at national conferences and has published articles in several publications including Worth Magazine and ThinkAdvisor. Her community service includes the advisory council of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WŌC); the editorial board of Planned Giving Today; the investment committee of the Winston-Salem Foundation; and the boards of the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) and the Community Investment Network (CIN). Crystal is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Certified Specialist in Planned Giving, and a Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor. LinkedIn

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 IAN 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.

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

The Rise of the Philanthropic Advisor Entrepreneurs The Rise of the Philanthropic Advisor Entrepreneurs By Crystal Thompkins and Dien Yuen The philanthropic advising sector is entering a defining moment shaped by unprecedented wealth transfer, rising donor sophistication, the growth of donor-advised funds (DAFs), and the professionalization of impact-oriented advising. For entrepreneurial advisors, the opportunity is significant: demand is increasing, expectations are shifting, and new business models are emerging. Yet despite this momentum, the field lacks a clear picture of who these advisors are, what they do, and how their backgrounds inform their practice. This article presents data to fill those gaps and offers recommendations to strengthen this essential segment of the advising landscape. Who are Philanthropic Advisor Entrepreneurs? In 2024, Daylight conducted the first comprehensive study of philanthropic advisors, defined as practitioners who guide the who , what , why , and how of using resources for philanthropy and social impact. Of the 258 advisors surveyed, 30% (77) operate independent consulting practices. These entrepreneurs reflect a diverse and experienced cohort: 74% identify as women, 38% identify as BIPOC, 9% identify as LGBTQ+. 16% are between 30 and 39 years old, 25% are between 40 and 49, and 33% are between 50 and 59. 28% earn between $100,000 and $149,999 annually. Question: What is your current annual base salary or average annual gross consulting income? Category Percent Up to $99,999 21% $100,000 - $149,999 28% $150,000 - $199,999 11% $200,000 - $249,999 18% $250,000 - $299,999 12% $300,000+ 9% What Does Their Current Practice Look Like Entrepreneurial advisors are relatively early in their business lifecycle: 39% have operated for 1 to 4 years 26% for 5 to 9 years. Entrepreneurs most commonly reported providing services in defining purpose (77%), developing impact strategies for charitable vehicles (61%), and cultivating family capital (55%). They work across broad client groups, including individuals and families (79%), nonprofit organizations (71%), and private foundations (60%). For entrepreneurs working with individuals and families, 49% reported that more than half of their clients are builders of new wealth. 21% reported that more than half their clients were BIPOC. Question: Of your individual and family clients, what percentage are primarily builders of new wealth (as opposed to being inheritors of existing wealth)? Category Percent Less than half 36% More than half 49% I do not know 14% I prefer not to answer 1% Where Do They Build Their Skills? The study confirms what many in the field anecdotally understand: philanthropic advising is still primarily learned through experience rather than formal training. 55% cite ‘learning on the job’ as their top professional development method. Advisors self-identified as competent to proficient across core skill domains, including client resource identification, client purpose discovery, philanthropic plan, and strategy development. Question: Which have been most helpful to your learning as an advisor? (Please enter 1, 2, and 3 below to rank the first, second, and third most helpful.) Category First Second Third Formal education programs 13% 16% 18% Learning on the job 55% 19% 17% Mentor relationships (formal or informal) 13% 22% 12% Professional associations 9% 15% 21% Resources found on my own (books, blogs, forums, etc.) 8% 24% 27% Other 2% 3% 5% A Field in Formation Despite real progress, the field remains, in Daylight’s words, “a beautiful mess.” Several systemic barriers impede growth: Low visibility: The market lacks a shared narrative about what philanthropic advisors do, how they create value, and how their services are structured or priced. In addition, most donor clients do not know that philanthropic advisors are available to work with them. This ambiguity suppresses demand and slows market formation. Network access: Unlike adjacent fields such as wealth management, legal services, or consulting, philanthropic advising lacks strong, established pipelines for sourcing clients and building credibility. As a result, early-stage business development is slower, riskier, and disproportionately dependent on personal privilege and proximity to wealth. Advisors from underrepresented backgrounds face especially steep barriers, with limited access to the high-net-worth networks, institutional gatekeepers, and referral pathways that meaningfully shape client acquisition and long-term viability. Knowledge gaps: Even seasoned practitioners identify financial capital development as a weakness (34% of novices; 20% of advanced beginners). Funding and capital constraints: Most philanthropic advisors operate as small firms or solo practices, entities that rarely attract investment despite serving a rapidly expanding market. These small philanthropic advising businesses do not have access to growth capital, operating reserves, or R&D funding. This capital scarcity suppresses innovation and limits the ability of advisors—particularly emerging entrepreneur-advisors—to scale beyond a boutique or referral-dependent model. As a result, the field remains fragmented and fragile, with high-quality practitioners often unable to expand their impact because the business model is capital-poor and structurally at a disadvantage. Investing in Philanthropic Advisor Entrepreneurs for the Decades Ahead The rise of the philanthropic advisor entrepreneur signals a profound shift in how generosity is practiced, structured, and sustained in the United States. Entrepreneurial advisors are stepping into a rapidly expanding landscape shaped by historic wealth transfer, increasingly values-driven donors, and a proliferation of giving vehicles that require specialized guidance. While the field is rich with promise, these advisors still face gaps in visibility, standardization, and access to capital for business growth. Daylight’s research highlights the unique value these advisors bring: deep subject-matter expertise, experience, cultural dexterity, and the relational capacity required to guide donors through high-stakes decisions about purpose, assets, and impact. But their effectiveness—and the sector’s potential—will depend on intentional investment in the ecosystem. To fully realize this moment, the field must prioritize: Clearer and more equitable pathways into the profession. Expanded access to networks, referral channels, and client pipelines. Adoption of shared competency standards . Robust, ongoing professional development. Financial support that enables entrepreneurs to stabilize and scale their business. Doing so will not only strengthen individual advisory practices but also build the infrastructure needed for a mature, trusted, and high-impact philanthropic advising profession. The Rise of the Philanthropic Advisor Entrepreneurs .pdf Download PDF • 70KB

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. Certificates 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. Source: Giving USA 2025 Report In 2024, Americans gave $45.8 billion to charities through bequests — representing 8% of the nation’s total charitable giving of $592.5 billion. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the core principles of gift planning, including key giving vehicles and the strategic opportunities created through noncash gifts. Equip advisors with practical tools and frameworks to help clients achieve their philanthropic goals and make a lasting impact through gifts from their estate and financial plans. Evaluate how current giving trends, generational shifts, the great wealth transfer, and cultural nuances influence decision-making and long-term giving strategies. FACULTY Aquanetta Betts , JD, CAP®, AEP®, CFRE Aquanetta Betts is the founder and principal consultant of Johnson Betts, LLC. She has experience helping nonprofits grow their planned giving pipelines, and she partners with professional advisors and charitable individuals on effective giving strategies. Crystal Thompkins , CAP®, CSPG, IPA Crystal Thompkins is Director of Strategic Impact at Daylight and founder and principal of TrueCrystal Consulting. She has a depth of experience in planned giving program management and philanthropic planning across the wealth spectrum, with a focus on increasing awareness of and access to gift planning resources and education. Gift Planning Certificate Modules What is Gift Planning? Donor Motivations and Goals Gift Planning Vehicles Estate Planning Integration Legacy and Succession Course Format Program Type: Certificate program - asynchronous course with module quizzes Program Delivery: Readings, case study, videos, graphics, downloadable advisor resources Program Complexity Level: Intermediate Daylight is an approved CE sponsor. Continuing education credits are pending for completion of the Gift Planning Certificate. CFP®, CPWA®, CIMA®, RMA® CAP®, CFRE, CSPGCM Download Gift Planning Certificate program description. Register for an individual certificate or an Annual Certificate Subscription now! INDIVIDUAL OR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION CHECKOUT

The work of philanthropic advising is gaining traction among wealth holders seeking impact and guidance. Daylight is one of the few organizations that focus on professional support for philanthropic advisors. Our original research sets a new standard, delivering practical and field-informed guidance to strengthen, connect, and elevate the philanthropic advising profession. Research The work of philanthropic advising is gaining traction among wealth holders seeking impact and guidance. Yet, despite growing demand, the field remains fragmented, lacking cohesive research and a robust professional development infrastructure. Daylight is embracing these challenges and is leading the field in this work. Our original research sets a new standard, delivering practical and field-informed guidance to strengthen, connect, and elevate the philanthropic advising profession. Philanthropic Advising Competency Model Philanthropic advising is evolving—and it’s time the profession had a clear, credible framework to match its growing impact. Daylight’s Philanthropic Advising Competency Model is the first-ever, field-informed framework that defines the new standard of modern philanthropic advising. With thirteen core competencies, the model outlines the knowledge, skills, and behaviors advisors need to serve clients and communities. Learn More 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. Learn More

Dien Yuen, CAP®, AEP®, IPA Dien Yuen (She/Her) CEO Dien is the Founder and CEO of Daylight, a learning partner equipping wealth and philanthropic advisors with the confidence, competence, and cultural dexterity to grow their practices and strengthen client relationships. Daylight’s Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) program and certificate offerings establish a new benchmark for excellence in philanthropic planning education. She was named in Wealthmanagement.com’s 2025 Ten to Watch: Innovators and Influencers Set to Change the Industry. Dien 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 Wealth Management Institute in Singapore. Dien served as the lead faculty for philanthropy at WMI, where she was instrumental in launching Asia’s first professional philanthropic certification program. Previously, Dien founded the Center for Philanthropy and Social Impact at The American College of Financial Services, where she also developed and taught courses in the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) program as the Blunt-Nickel Professor in Philanthropy. Dien’s early career included senior roles in wealth management and global development organizations. She holds a Juris Doctorate, an LLM in International Law, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), an Accredited Estate Planning (AEP) designation, and is a Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor. LinkedIn