DAF platforms and the alternative options
Giving is personal. It often comes from lived experience, shared values, or a meaningful encounter. As people look for more thoughtful ways to support the causes they care about, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become a popular option in the US. A DAF allows someone to set aside money for charitable giving and choose where it goes over time, creating space for intention instead of pressure.
Yet in recent years, philanthropy has been shifting. Alongside traditional DAFs, new and alternative platforms have emerged – ones that feel more accessible, more human, and more connected to real communities. These options reflect how people want to give today: with clarity, flexibility, and care.
GoFundMe’s Giving Funds were created with this same spirit in mind. Rather than focusing simply on long-term financial planning, Giving Funds help people support nonprofits they believe in while staying engaged with the impact of their giving. It’s a way to give steadily or spontaneously, thoughtfully or in response to the moment.
In the sections below, we’ll explore what donor-advised funds are, how they compare to direct giving, and why modern alternatives – like GoFundMe’s Giving Funds – are reshaping the way generosity shows up in the world.
View more information on our Giving Funds
What is a Donor-Advised Fund?
A donor-advised fund is a charitable account that allows you to contribute money and recommend donations to nonprofits over time. Many traditional DAFs are offered through financial institutions or community foundations.
Today, you’ll also find more modern approaches on offer. Community foundations often focus on local impact. Online giving platforms, like GoFundMe, offer options that are easier to access and simpler to manage. Meanwhile, some charitable gift funds center around specific causes or values.
What makes these platforms appealing is choice. You control how you give, when you give, and how connected you feel along the way.
Take a closer look at how donor-advised funds work
Donor-Advised Fund vs. Direct Giving
Both donor-advised funds and direct giving are meaningful ways to support causes, but they serve different needs. Direct giving is just that – giving straight to a nonprofit or fundraiser. It’s often the right choice when responding to urgent needs or things that call for immediate action.
Donor-advised funds offer a different rhythm. They allow you to plan your giving over time, making multiple contributions and deciding later where it will go. This can be helpful if you want to give more intentionally, involve family members, or support multiple causes throughout the year.
Many people choose a mix of both. They may give directly when something moves them, while using a DAF to support ongoing causes they care about. There’s no single right approach, only what feels most aligned for you and your values.
Learn more about the benefits of donor-advised funds
Alternative DAF Platforms
As giving evolves, so do the ways people choose to give. Traditional donor-advised funds are no longer the only path. There are now multiple platforms that make giving easier and more personalized than ever.
Community Foundations
Community foundations are one such option. They often focus on local needs and offer guidance specialized to a specific place and community, allowing the money given to be most impactful. This can be especially valuable for donors who want to support specific regions. At the same time, these funds may come with more structure and fewer digital tools.
Online Platforms
Online giving platforms, such as GoFundMe, offer a more open and accessible experience. GoFundMe Giving Funds are designed for everyday generosity. They’re simple to use, flexible, and centered on connection. Having an app makes it easy to budget and give to multiple causes whenever you like. Donors can support verified nonprofits while staying involved and responsive to what’s happening in the world.
Charitable Funds
Charitable gift funds focused on specific causes or missions are another alternative. These can be a good fit if your giving is aligned with a particular issue or set of values, though they may offer less flexibility in choosing where funds go.
Each option has its place. What sets modern platforms apart is how they meet people where they are, making giving feel less intimidating and more like a natural extension of their values.
How to Set Up a Charitable Giving Fund
Setting up a charitable giving fund with GoFundMe is designed to feel simple and supportive.
With Giving Funds, you create an account, add funds, and recommend donations to eligible nonprofits over time. Everything lives in one place, making it easier to set a budget, give to causes you’re passionate about, and receive year-end tax forms. Our handy guide will walk you through the whole process step by step.
Once your Giving Fund is set up, you can give regularly, respond to emerging needs, or adjust your approach as life changes. It’s flexible, without ever feeling over-complicated.
When it comes to how much to give, many people start where they are and give a percentage of their discretionary income. Having the ability to budget built into the fund makes sure you’re giving what you feel comfortable with. Here are a few more things to consider when deciding how much to give to charity.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Alternatives to Traditional DAFs
Giving today looks different from how it did in the past – and that’s a good thing. Modern and alternative DAF platforms offer more ways to give with intention, flexibility, and meaning.
Whether you’re drawn to community-based funds, online platforms, or cause-focused giving, what matters most is choosing an approach that feels sustainable and meaningful to you. When giving feels aligned, it becomes something you return to – not something you rush through.
GoFundMe Giving Funds offer a way to stay connected to the causes you care about while giving at your own pace.
Explore GoFundMe’s Giving Fund to see how it can support your giving journey
Your Questions Answered (FAQs)
What are the advantages of using alternative DAF platforms?
Many alternative DAF platforms are built to feel easier and more human. They often remove unnecessary steps and complexity to allow you to stay closer to the causes you support. You can stay present with your giving, adjusting and learning along the way.
How do I choose the right platform for my needs?
Start by noticing what feels important to you. Do you want flexibility? Simplicity? A sense of connection to real people and communities? Some platforms are better for long-term planning, while others support more intuitive, in-the-moment giving.
How do DAFs compare to direct donations and other alternatives?
Each option offers a different way to give. Direct donations are immediate and respond to what’s needed in the moment. DAFs create space to give more intentionally over time. Other alternatives blend the two, offering structure without feeling rigid.
Is a donor-advised fund better than direct giving?
It’s not really about better or worse. It’s about timing, intention, and what you need in that season. Direct giving can feel powerful when something calls you to act right away. A donor-advised fund can be supportive when you want to give more regularly and have more authority over how your funds are used.
How can I maximize my impact with alternatives to DAFs?
Impact doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from showing up consistently. Choosing options that make giving feel simple, flexible, and connected helps it become a regular part of your life. Over time, those small, intentional choices add up in meaningful ways.