REMINDER - Update your nonprofit's profile

Isn’t it frustrating knowing that Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) hold billions in charitable dollars, yet you have limited involvement in influencing donors to recommend you?

You’re not alone — non profits like yours try some or even all the following strategies to get recommended:

While these strategies are solid, the easiest high leverage activity which can get you found is often overlooked. 

……it is simply updating your profile in nonprofit search databases.

You see, the issue with DAFs is that you can’t request a grant directly. Donors must recommend you, and they often rely on searchable nonprofit databases to find organizations that align with their giving goals.

Where Are DAF Donors Searching?

DAF administrators direct their donors to specific platforms to research nonprofits before recommending grants. 

Donors are advised to search databases like Charity Navigator, GuideStar (by Candid), National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) Grant Advisor, Benevity, YourCause (a Blackbaud company), America’s Charities, CharityWatch.

If your profile is outdated, incomplete, or inconsistent across platforms, donors may overlook you in favor of nonprofits with stronger, well-maintained profiles.

Even if a donor is interested in your mission, they may never find you if your profile lacks key details or doesn’t look credible.

Take a look at the recommended databases for 4 of the top DAF administrators.

Each of these platforms displays key information about your nonprofit, including financials, mission statements, leadership details, and impact reports. 

The Good News? You Control Your Visibility

While you can’t apply for DAF grants, you can make sure your nonprofit stands out by optimizing your profiles across these sites. 

Many nonprofits don’t realize how often DAF donors rely on these platforms, so simply ensuring your profile is accurate and compelling can give you a significant advantage.