Many advisors think of Donor-Advised Funds as a year-end planning tool—a go-to strategy for tax optimization in December. But the most effective advisors know that Donor-Advised Funds are much more than a tax solution. They are a powerful way to stay connected with clients all year long, foster meaningful conversations, and add unique value across generations.
Here are three ways you can use Donor-Advised Fundfs to drive client engagement every month of the year:
1. Connect Donor-Advised Fund Activity to Personal Milestones
Donor-Advised Funds offer the perfect opportunity to tie giving to personal life events—making philanthropy more relevant and memorable.
Business Sales & Liquidity Events: When clients experience windfalls, they are often open to new giving commitments. A Donor-Advised allows for an immediate contribution—capturing the tax benefit—while giving a client time to decide where to grant.
Retirement or Estate Milestones: Donor-Advised Funds can be part of a legacy-planning conversation, whether clients are revisiting estate documents or naming successors.
Pro tip: Create a “philanthropy calendar” aligned with your client’s personal milestones and reach out proactively.
2. Use Donor-Advised Funds to Foster Family Legacy Conversations
Philanthropy can be one of the most effective tools for bridging generations—and Donor-Advised Funds make that easy.
Help clients define shared family values through giving themes (e.g., education, environment, faith-based causes).
Invite clients to include children or grandchildren in recommending grants from their fund.
Encourage them to name successor advisors and begin training the next generation through hands-on involvement.
These conversations often go deeper than dollars and cents—they touch on meaning, purpose, and what wealth is really for.
3. Offer “Value-Add” Insights Around Giving Trends
Your clients are looking to you not just for market insights, but for perspective on the world. Philanthropy is a natural entry point.
Share updates about trending causes or urgent global events—then invite clients to consider how their giving might respond.
Use data from their past grantmaking to highlight alignment or gaps with their stated values.
UI Charitable can recommend organizations they may not know about, or spotlight emerging nonprofit partners doing impactful work.
This type of insight positions you as more than a financial advisor—you become a trusted guide in living generously.
Conclusion: Donor-Advised Funds as a Relationship Builder
When used strategically, Donor-Advised Funds can help you stay top-of-mind and mission-aligned with clients throughout the year—not just during Q4. From milestone mapping to legacy-building to thought leadership, charitable planning opens the door to deeper engagement and broader value.
👉 Need Help Starting the Conversation?
We have created a guide with 50 Conversation Starters you can use to connect with clients around giving and purpose-driven planning.
