Nonprofit Coach: and Everything DAF! Podcast

The Nonprofit Coach Podcast

The Nonprofit Coach: Everything DAF! Podcast brings together global experts in philanthropy, finance, and nonprofit leadership to explore the fastest-growing giving vehicle of our time: donor-advised funds. Hosted by Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution, each episode delivers practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring stories from the field. Building on more than a decade of Nonprofit Coach conversations, this series continues the tradition of helping donors, advisors, and nonprofits maximize their impact.

  1. 12/17/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Donna Callejon – Perspective, Power, and the Realities of DAFs

    🎧 https://amzn.to/3JACx8e In this episode, Ted sits down with Donna Callejon, a longtime philanthropy executive, board leader, consultant, and donor with decades of hands-on experience across community foundations, national DAF sponsors, and global giving platforms. Donna brings a grounded, candid perspective shaped by working on every side of the table, donor, nonprofit, intermediary, and advisor. This conversation moves beyond talking points to explore how DAFs function in practice, where they succeed, where they fall short, and what donors and advisors too often misunderstand. Together, Ted and Donna explore: Community foundations and national DAF sponsorsWhy smaller, community-based DAFs are often painted with the same brush as large national providers, and why those distinctions matter for donors, nonprofits, and advisors. What donors misunderstand about DAF limitationsHow legal, operational, and sponsor-driven constraints shape what DAFs can and cannot do, especially around for-profit entities, staffing, and complex or international giving. Why DAFs took off when they didHow wealth creation, national sponsors, technology, and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 combined to transform DAFs from a niche tool into the fastest-growing vehicle in philanthropy. Regulation, power, and political realityWhy major regulatory change is unlikely without a crisis, and how scale and influence shape the future of DAF policy debates. Impact beyond traditional grantmakingHow DAFs can support entrepreneurship, impact investing, and creative charitable structures when sponsors are willing to do the hard work of compliance and oversight. Technology’s promise and its limitsWhy ease of use matters for donors, but why tech-driven “baskets,” algorithms, and AI-curated giving often misunderstand how people actually give. The future of donor-advised fundsWhy growth is likely to continue, but success will increasingly depend on flexibility, customization, and sponsors willing to move beyond lowest-common-denominator models. This episode is thoughtful, pragmatic, and refreshingly honest. It closes out the year by challenging assumptions while reinforcing why donor-advised funds, used well, remain a powerful tool for modern philanthropy.

    33 min
  2. 12/02/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Fred Kaynor – Innovation, Impact, and the Giving Season

    🎧 ⁠https://amzn.to/3JACx8e⁠In this Giving Tuesday conversation, Ted welcomes Fred Kaynor, one of the most experienced leaders in donor-advised fund growth, donor engagement, and complex asset philanthropy. Fred shares practical guidance from decades in financial services and philanthropy, and offers a timely look at how donors, advisors, and nonprofits can navigate the busiest giving season of the year. Together, Ted and Fred explore how donor-advised funds simplify giving, unlock greater impact through tax-smart contributions, and help donors support charities with everything from appreciated stock to real estate. They also look at why younger donors expect deeper participation, mission-aligned investing, and less-restrictive grantmaking. Key themes in this episode include: 1. The importance of Giving TuesdayWhy this global moment of generosity is an ideal time to talk about donor-advised funds, strategic giving, and the opportunity to plan before year-end pressures build. 2. The flexibility and practicality of donor-advised fundsHow DAFs allow donors to contribute appreciated or complex assets now, receive tax benefits immediately, and take their time deciding where to grant. 3. Next-generation expectationsHow younger philanthropists are shaping the future through intentional investing, collaborative giving, and trust-based approaches that empower nonprofits. 4. Practical year-end guidance for donors and advisorsWhy early planning around non-cash contributions is essential, how advisors can guide clients through strategic giving, and how to avoid the December rush. 5. How nonprofits can benefit and engage more effectivelyWhy donor-advised funds help charities by liquidating complex assets for them, and how nonprofits can position themselves to receive more support. 6. Record levels of generosityFred highlights the millions of grants recommended each year and the billions flowing to nonprofits, reflecting the sustained activity of DAF donors. 7. Impact before the grantHow mission-aligned investments allow philanthropic dollars to begin doing good from the moment they enter the account. This episode offers clear, practical insight into how donor-advised funds empower smarter giving and provide stability for nonprofits throughout the year. Whether you are a donor, advisor, or nonprofit leader, you’ll find guidance you can put to work immediately during the most important giving season.

    33 min
  3. Nonprofit Coach: Amir Pasic – From Research to DAF Revolution

    11/12/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Amir Pasic – From Research to DAF Revolution

    🎧 https://amzn.to/3JACx8e In this thought-provoking episode, Ted is joined by Dr. Amir Pasic, Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the world’s first school dedicated to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Known for bridging research and real-world practice, Dr. Pasic offers a rare academic perspective on donor-advised funds (DAFs), regulation, and the future of generosity. Together, Ted and Amir explore how philanthropy is evolving, the role of research in shaping giving behavior, and why DAFs represent both continuity and quiet revolution in how we give. Key themes in this episode include: Separating tax benefits from generosity: How DAFs empower donors to make more deliberate and impactful giving decisions. The evolution of giving institutions: Why DAFs mark one of the few major structural changes in philanthropy in decades. The “5% lesson”: How regulatory intentions for private foundations became unintended ceilings, and what future DAF regulations could learn from it. Local vs. national DAFs: The balance between the convenience of large providers and the deep community connection of local foundations. Generosity as innovation: How giving cultures can unlock creativity, risk-taking, and freedom in societies worldwide. Dr. Pasic’s insights challenge us to rethink generosity as both a personal act and a civic force, one that strengthens communities, inspires innovation, and shapes the next generation of philanthropy. Whether you are a donor, advisor, policymaker, or nonprofit leader, this conversation offers data-driven perspective, intellectual depth, and hope for a more generous future.

    27 min
  4. 10/29/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Allison Fine – How AI Can Help Philanthropy Stay Human

    Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.https://amzn.to/3JACx8e In this inspiring conversation, Ted is joined by Allison Fine, President of Every.org, a visionary leader transforming how technology can empower generosity. Allison is one of the most influential voices in digital innovation for social good and co-author of The Smart Nonprofit: Staying Human-Centered in an Automated World (with Beth Kanter) and Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age. Together, Ted and Allison explore how artificial intelligence, automation, and donor-advised funds can make giving more joyful, relational, and human than ever before. Key themes in this episode include: AI for empathy: How technology can free up time for deeper donor relationships rather than replace them. Relational fundraising at scale: Treating every donor like a million-dollar donor. The Leaky Bucket Problem: Why Only 19% of Donors Give Again and How to Fix It. DAFs as democratizers: Making philanthropy accessible, intentional, and emotionally rewarding. International giving made simple: How platforms like Every.org remove friction and connect donors to global causes. This episode showcases Allison’s forward-thinking perspective on how nonprofits can strike a balance between automation and authenticity, ultimately creating a more connected, generous, and joyful world of giving. Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find actionable ideas and renewed inspiration in this dynamic discussion.

    25 min
  5. 10/15/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Dr. Russell James – The Psychology of Generosity

    Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.⁠https://amzn.to/3JACx8e⁠ In this thought-provoking conversation, Ted is joined by Dr. Russell James, Professor of Charitable Financial Planning at Texas Tech University and one of the most respected voices in fundraising research. Dr. James has pioneered the study of donor psychology using experimental economics and even functional MRI brain scans, shaping the way nonprofits and advisors understand generosity. Together, Ted and Dr. James explore how the science of giving can empower donors, advisors, and nonprofits to create more meaningful and impactful philanthropy. Key themes in this episode include: Subjective similarity and storytelling – Why donors give more when they see themselves in the story of giving. The multi-step joy of DAFs – How donor-advised funds extend and enhance the experience of generosity. Advisors as trusted guides – Why financial advisors are uniquely positioned to foster charitable conversations. Building donor community – How reciprocal alliances and shared experiences lead to transformational gifts. This episode highlights Dr. James’ contributions to The DAF Revolution and his groundbreaking research that continues to redefine modern philanthropy. The DAF Revolution is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books. Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find practical insights and fresh perspective in this fascinating discussion.

    28 min
  6. 10/01/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Rebecca Moffett – Strategic Philanthropy in Action

    Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World.https://amzn.to/3JACx8e In this insightful conversation, Ted is joined by Rebecca Moffett, President of Vanguard Charitable, one of the nation’s largest and most respected donor-advised fund sponsors. Under Rebecca’s leadership, Vanguard Charitable is redefining what it means to make strategic, high-impact giving accessible to donors at every level. Together, Ted and Rebecca explore how DAFs can be leveraged to create resilient philanthropy, advance donor goals, and maximize charitable impact in a rapidly changing landscape. Key themes in this episode include: Strategic philanthropy in practice – How Vanguard Charitable helps donors move from good intentions to measurable outcomes. Recoverable grants and innovation – Why new models are expanding the tools available for donors and nonprofits alike. Building a resilient culture of giving – Insights into how DAFs support long-term donor engagement and sector-wide impact. Accessibility and trust – What makes DAFs powerful for both new and seasoned philanthropists. This episode highlights Rebecca’s contributions to The DAF Revolution and her vision for the future of donor-advised funds. The DAF Revolution is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books. Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find practical insights and fresh inspiration in this dynamic conversation.

    31 min
  7. 09/17/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Adam Nash: Innovation and Inclusion in Modern Philanthropy

    Welcome to this episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World. https://amzn.to/3JACx8e In this forward-looking conversation, Ted is joined by Adam Nash, co-founder and CEO of Daffy.org, a modern donor-advised fund platform on a mission to help people be more generous, more often. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies of 2024, Daffy is redefining charitable giving through behavioral finance, technology, and a fresh membership model. Together, Ted and Adam explore why everyone who gives should have a donor-advised fund and how new tools are making philanthropy more inclusive and engaging across generations. Key themes in this episode include: The power of pre-commitment – Why setting giving goals leads donors to give 32% more Generosity across generations – How families can use DAFs to pass on values and inspire children and grandchildren DAF campaigns & workplace giving – New ways for donors and companies to amplify impact A new model for the sector – Why Daffy chose a membership-based approach over traditional asset-based fees This episode highlights Adam’s contributions to The DAF Revolution and his vision for the future of generosity. The DAF Revolution is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books. Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find practical insights and fresh inspiration in this dynamic conversation.

    28 min
  8. 09/03/2025

    Nonprofit Coach: Joe Fisher: Launching The DAF Revolution and the Future of Philanthropy

    Welcome to this special launch-day episode of The Nonprofit Coach: And Everything DAF! with your host Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World. In this milestone conversation, Ted is joined by Joe Fisher, President and CEO of REN, a leading philanthropic technology firm entrusted with more than $20 billion in charitable assets. Joe is also the author of the Foreword to The DAF Revolution and a driving force behind efforts to modernize how advisors and donors engage with philanthropy. Together, Ted and Joe explore what is next for donor-advised funds and why this moment signals a turning point for the sector. Key themes in this episode include: A call for clarity and simplicity – Why transparency, intuitive tools, and advisor empowerment are essential to building trust in the next generation of giving The rise of “DAF 2.0” – How evolving client expectations are transforming the sector, from custom platforms to sponsor solutions The advisor advantage – How financial professionals can ask the right questions and connect clients with the right tools Bringing The DAF Revolution to life – Joe shares why he chose to support the book, what message it delivers to the sector, and how it aligns with REN’s mission to scale generosity through technology This episode celebrates the official release of The DAF Revolution , a book filled with insights from more than 120 experts across philanthropy, finance, law, and technology. It is available now on Amazon and wherever you buy your favorite books. Whether you are a donor, advisor, sponsor, or nonprofit leader, you will find inspiration and practical insight in this timely conversation.

    26 min

About

The Nonprofit Coach: Everything DAF! Podcast brings together global experts in philanthropy, finance, and nonprofit leadership to explore the fastest-growing giving vehicle of our time: donor-advised funds. Hosted by Ted Hart, global philanthropy executive and author of The DAF Revolution, each episode delivers practical insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring stories from the field. Building on more than a decade of Nonprofit Coach conversations, this series continues the tradition of helping donors, advisors, and nonprofits maximize their impact.