The Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative (DAFRC) conducts empirical research that enhances the public understanding of donor advised funds (DAFs).

As a prominent voice in nationwide DAF research, the DAFRC partners with academic scholars, industry experts, and philanthropic partners to broaden and improve DAF data. 

Founded in 2018 to address the growing need for accurate and accessible information on DAFs, the DAFRC has published landmark studies, including:
- The National Study on DAFs— The most extensive independent study on DAF activity, covering nine years of data from 111 DAF programs and over 50,000 accounts
- The National Survey of DAF Donors— Insights into donor demographics, motivations, and giving strategies, based on responses from more than 2,100 donors nationwide
- The National Survey of DAF Managers— Data from 128 sponsor managers on strategies, operations, philanthropic advising, and marketing practices
- Reinventing the Cycle: Adapting Relationship Fundraising for Donors Who Use DAFs— Practical strategies for relationship fundraising and DAF donor engagement

In 2025, the DAFRC assumed responsibility for the Annual DAF Report, a foundational resource for the nonprofit sector. This report, now produced independently by the DAFRC, provides data on DAF sector trends, including the number of DAF accounts, and aggregate value of DAF contributions, grants, and assets. 

Follow along for research updates, sector insights, and resources to understand the DAF landscape.

Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative (DAFRC)

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Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative (DAFRC)

Org chart

Teams

Offices

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