Foreword
When I joined Ren as President and CEO in 2019, I came to a company rooted in the belief that cutting-edge technology can unlock the full potential of philanthropy. Today, we help power more than $140 billion in philanthropic funding, building scalable and efficient giving programs for nonprofits and individuals.
In The DAF Revolution, Ted Hart captures exactly why donor-advised funds (DAFs) matter more than ever:
● Speed through flexibility: DAFs allow donors to convert complex assets into charitable capital within hours, enabling immediate responses to social crises or new opportunities.
● Trust through transparency: As more DAF sponsors publish data and stories of impact, the sector becomes stronger and earns greater legitimacy.
● Democracy of access: Many DAFs now offer the option to open an account with no minimum gift amount. This extends philanthropic tools to everyday people like teachers, nurses, and entrepreneurs who once lacked access.
At Ren, we have seen these advantages firsthand. Our Rapid Disbursement Engine has accelerated over 1M grants totaling more than $50 billion. This reflects what Ted describes: DAFs are not passive holding places. They are active vehicles for social good.
Ted does not shy away from tough questions, whether about payout rates, policy, or self-regulation. Instead, he offers a framework for advisors, donors, nonprofits, and policymakers to evaluate DAFs thoughtfully. Most importantly, he never loses sight of the human heart of philanthropy. Across these pages, you will meet parents teaching children generosity, entrepreneurs turning success into impact, and everyday people finding meaning through giving.
In my own public commentary, including in Forbes and CEO Magazine, I have stressed how innovation, speed, and partnerships are changing the landscape of philanthropy. This book gives that momentum substance through clear lessons, practical examples, and a thoughtful path forward.
It is an honor to introduce The DAF Revolution, a timely, insightful, and action-oriented guide for modern philanthropy. May it inspire you to embrace the flexibility, transparency, and democratic values that define today’s most effective giving.
Warm regards,
Joe Fisher
President and CEO, Ren
Contents Overview
by Joe Fisher, President & CEO of Ren
Is This Really a Revolution?
From Ancient Giving to Modern Generosity
Donor-Advised Funds: Redefining Modern Philanthropy
The History of the Donor-Advised Fund Revolution
Making a Difference: Best Practices for DAFs
The Philanthropic Advisor: Maximizing Donor-Client Success
The Nonprofit Guide to Donor-Advised Funds
International Grantmaking: A Blueprint for Worldwide Giving
Continuing the Revolution: The Future of DAFs
The DAF Revolution Glossary
Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Glossary
About the Author
Ted Hart is a global philanthropy executive, author, podcast host, and advisor to high-impact donors, foundations, corporations, and nonprofits. He is an Eagle Scout and the proud father of an Eagle Scout, a legacy that reflects his lifelong commitment to service, values-driven leadership, and multigenerational impact. A devoted father, he draws daily inspiration from the future he hopes to help shape with his two adult children.
From 2012 to 2024, Ted served as President and CEO of CAF America and CAF Canada, expanding global grantmaking from $25 million to nearly $1 billion annually. Under his leadership, more than $4.6 billion in charitable grants were distributed across 135 countries. Earlier in his career, he led major development programs at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center and, in 2000, founded the International ePhilanthropy Foundation to advance secure and ethical online giving.
Ted holds the ACFRE, CAP®, and CDE® credentials and is the author of eight books on philanthropy, donor strategy, and nonprofit innovation. He is a frequent international keynote speaker and the host of The Nonprofit Coach: Everything DAF Podcast. A lifelong public servant, Ted serves as Vice Chair of the Howard County Ethics Commission and has led his neighborhood association for over 20 years. He is an avid cyclist, a volunteer archivist at the U.S. National Archives, and active in the Maryland State Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
"Donor-advised funds help keep charitable giving flexible and accessible… The DAF Revolution shines a light on why DAFs are the preferred option for millions of donors who want to make an impact, immediately and throughout the year."
- Rebecca Moffett, President, Vanguard Charitable
"Ted does not shy away from tough questions… he offers a framework for advisors, donors, nonprofits, and policymakers to evaluate DAFs thoughtfully. Most importantly, he never loses sight of the human heart of philanthropy."
- Joe Fisher, President & CEO, REN