DAF Disrupted

The Big Picture: An introduction to the unprecedented intergenerational transfer of wealth and how it’s reshaping philanthropy in Canada. In 2021, the five largest commercially-affiliated DAF foundations in Canada held $3.8 billion in charitable assets; two decades earlier, none of them existed. This session will explore the critical role Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) must play as a key vehicle for engaging a new generation of philanthropists.

Donor-advised funds hold more than $16 billion in Canada and continue to grow. Many charities are confused about this opportunity and wealth advisors are struggling to thoughtfully support their client’s generosity ambitions. 

In this 45-minute conversation, you will hear from a wealth advisor, their DAF intermediary and the charity that is the charitable recipient.  They will share their story and the factors that have made this partnership successful over time. 

You will hear from:

• Nicola Elkins, Founder and CEO, Benefaction
• Aneil Gokhale, Lead, Philanthropic Advisory Services, Toronto Foundation
• Tina Tehranchian, Senior Wealth Advisor, CI Assante Wealth Management
• Mickey Palha, Senior Director of Planned Gifts, Royal Conservatory of Music

Learning Objectives

Hear an example of a successful DAF partnership, from donee through to cause

Donor-advised funds hold more than $16 billion in Canada and continue to grow. Many charities still lack a clear plan to access and steward this capital which creates further confusion and inequity.

In this 30-minute keynote, you will hear from:

• Sarah Angello, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Daffodil
• Danya Pastuszek, President and CEO, Tamarack Institute

Learning Objectives

• Engage curiosity about how DAFs can be used to be create more equitable systems
• Hear about why Sarah felt the need for Daffodil (origin story)
• Learn about DAFs in a global context

Lunch with a Purpose: Tables will be arranged to ensure that all groups: wealth advisors, foundations, DAF providers and charities are interspersed and we’ll have some ‘impact matchmaking’

Donor-advised funds hold more than $16 billion in Canada and continue to grow. Many charities still lack a clear plan to access and steward this capital.

In this 60-minute conversation, you will hear from charities of different sizes and mandates about how they are killing it on DAF holder recruitment, engagement and retention. 

You will hear from:

• Sharon Avery, Executive Director, Toronto Foundation
• Nancy Horvath, Vice President, Philanthropy, SickKids Foundation
• Rory McLeod, Executive Director, Xenia Concerts

Learning Objectives

• Hear how some charities are doing this well
• See how different sizes of organizations can right-size their approach
• Leave with some practical tips to implement in your organization

DAFs are the fastest growing vehicle for charitable giving, but Canada lacks easy tech solutions to facilitate DAF giving.  Practitioners already understand the challenges and we will address potential solutions, and what it would take to deploy solutions.

• Cohesion and Education: A final discussion on the need for cohesion among the impact investing community, including mainstream financial institutions and advisors. This will be essential to educate all DAF stakeholders and ensure that the growing wealth transfer is deployed for the greater good.
• Marketplace: Reminder of various networks, tools, certifications, etc that are out there.  Invite participants to make a pitch to the room for anything they are hosting, launching, promoting, etc.