Empowering Philanthropy: An Overview of Donor-Advised Funds

 

A comprehensive look at how Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are shaping the future of charitable giving in Canada.

Developed by the CAGP Foundation, Empowering Philanthropy: An Overview of Donor-Advised Funds is a suite of five practical resources that bring clarity to one of the fastest-growing areas of charitable giving in Canada. Together, they explore how DAFs operate, their governance, and their impact on donors, advisors, foundations, and charities.

Download the Comprehensive Guide (PDF)

Continue below for the specific resources for charities, donors, financial professionals, and DAF holding foundations. 

About the Resources

Over the past two decades, Donor-Advised Funds have become one of the fastest-growing vehicles for philanthropy in Canada — now granting over $1.4 billion annually to more than 20,000 charities.

To support understanding and collaboration across the charitable sector, the CAGP Foundation has developed a comprehensive guide and four companion resources tailored for donors, charities, financial professionals, and foundations. These resources offer clear, accessible information on how DAFs are structured and governed, and how they can be used to strengthen philanthropic impact.

20,000+ Canadian charities received DAF grants in 2023

$1.4 billion+ granted through DAFs annually

250+ DAF foundations across Canada

What You’ll Learn

  • The history and growth of DAFs in Canada
  • The different types of funds and how they operate
  • Responsibilities of DAF foundations and advisors
  • Common granting practices and administrative fees
  • Opportunities for charities to engage and steward DAF donors
  • Practical guidance for donors, charities, advisors, and foundations on their roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for collaboration within the DAF ecosystem

Who Contributed

These resources were developed by a national working group of sector experts — practitioners, fundraisers, legal specialists, and financial professionals — under the co-leadership of Nicola Elkins (Benefaction Foundation) and Malcolm Burrows (Aqueduct Foundation).

Author: Keith Sjögren
Editor: Karen Hudson
Supported by: Benefaction Foundation, Aqueduct Foundation, Desjardins Foundation, Myriad Canada, and TD Private Giving Foundation.

Why It Matters

“The continued rise of donor-advised funds in Canada is a testament to the power of philanthropy and the significant role individuals and families play in supporting communities and causes across the country.”

The resources highlight both the opportunities and challenges of DAFs — including transparency, granting practices, and collaboration between charities and foundations — and provide practical guidance to strengthen understanding and impact across the sector.

Download the Companion Resources

These additional guides provide tailored insights for each audience engaged in the DAF landscape:

DAF Resources for Charities
DAF Resources for Donors
DAF Resources for Financial Professionals
DAF Resources for Foundations

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