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Donor-Advised Funds Linked to Higher Volunteering and Giving
New study finds donors using DAFs are more engaged in their communities.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:37pm by Ben Kaplan
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A new study has found that donors who use donor-advised funds (DAFs) tend to volunteer more, give more frequently, and form stronger connections to their local communities compared to other types of donors. The research, conducted by a team of nonprofit researchers, analyzed data on giving and volunteering patterns across thousands of donors.
Why it matters
This research provides valuable insights into the behaviors and motivations of DAF donors, a rapidly growing segment of the philanthropic landscape. As DAFs become more popular, understanding how they shape donor engagement is crucial for nonprofits seeking to cultivate long-term relationships with this influential group.
The details
The study examined several key metrics, including volunteer hours, donation frequency, and self-reported feelings of community connection. DAF donors were found to volunteer an average of 120 hours per year, compared to just 80 hours for non-DAF donors. They also made donations 4.2 times per year on average, versus 2.8 times for other donors. Additionally, 78% of DAF donors said they felt a strong sense of belonging to their local community, versus 61% of non-DAF donors.
- The research was conducted in 2025 and published in April 2026.
The players
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Charitable investment accounts that allow donors to make a contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund to nonprofits over time.
Nonprofit Researchers
A team of researchers who specialize in studying philanthropic trends and donor behavior.
What they’re saying
“This research underscores the powerful role that donor-advised funds can play in fostering deeper community engagement and more consistent charitable giving.”
— Sarah Johnson, Lead Researcher
What’s next
The researchers plan to continue studying the long-term impact of DAFs on philanthropic trends and community involvement.
The takeaway
As donor-advised funds become more prevalent, this research suggests they may be cultivating a new generation of highly engaged, community-minded philanthropists who donate and volunteer at elevated levels.
