On October 8, National Donor-Advised Fund Day, nonprofits unite with donors and donor-advised fund (DAF) providers to turn charitable moments into movements. Observing this day is an opportunity to boost humanitarian aid, arts and culture, the environment, and many more charitable causes that draw DAF dollars. DAFs, one of the best-kept secrets in philanthropy, are tax-advantaged charitable savings accounts managed through providers from major financial institutions to small community foundations.
DAFs Aren’t Just for Major Donors
Anyone can open a DAF account, make tax-deductible contributions of cash or assets, and recommend grants to nonprofits of their choice over time. According to Chariot’s 2026 DAF Fundraising Report, 10% of all DAF revenue supports health nonprofits and causes. At the APA Foundation, we support all charitable giving towards the goal of health equity, and DAFs can make it more expedient to improve access to health care, provide more culturally competent health services, and fund research into mental health and behavioral health conditions.
Over the past decade, DAFs have become more popular, and today they’re the fastest-growing vehicle for charitable giving. What's the appeal? For one thing, DAFs aren't just for the uber-wealthy. In fact, two out of every three DAF gifts are less than $1,000, and only 2% of DAF gifts exceed $25,000. DAFs have gained prominence because they are an equalizer with a low barrier to entry. DAF giving also allows the giver to designate specific purposes for their funds within approved 501c3 entities, like a particular program or initiative. And many employers (Bank of America and Chevron, among others) offer DAF-friendly donation matching policies so you can double your donation with little additional work.
Advancing Mental Health through DAF Giving
With the proceeds from your DAF, the Foundation can train educators, employers, and faith leaders to understand the warning signs of mental health conditions and how to address them; fight mental health stigma through the Mental Health Care Works public awareness campaign; support professional development opportunities for the future leaders of psychiatry through our Fellowships program – and the list goes on. Gregory Dalack, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School and former APA Foundation Board of Directors member, is committed to creating that impact through a DAF and has been consistently involved in DAF giving for many years.
"The DAF allows us to make a financial commitment to our philanthropic intentions, then direct it over time to philanthropic targets we have in mind," said Dr. Dalack. "Some may be regular annual targets, whereas some may be one-time contributions that emerge due to specific campaigns, initiatives or crises that emerge locally, nationally or around the world. There is also the advantage that the DAF can, when invested with prudent stewardship, grow larger than our initial allotment and expand our ability to support our selected worthy causes. In an era of recissions in government funded support for charities on which many around the world depend for basic life necessities, there is an opportunity, through individual donor activity – including DAFs – to do good through investment of time, talent and treasure where it may have substantial impact."
Make an Impact this DAF Day
If you're considering making a gift to the APA Foundation, DAFs are an accessible method of making mental health resources available and spreading awareness that mental health care works. National DAF Day is only two days apart from World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10). Recommend a grant to the APA Foundation through your donor-advised fund today!