Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Understanding and Demystifying a Rapidly Growing Philanthropic Vehicle

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Presentation in French; Q&A in French and English

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are gradually transforming the philanthropic landscape in Quebec and across Canada. Today, DAFs represent an essential tool for organizations seeking to maximize their philanthropic strategies.

But how do DAFs actually work? What are their advantages, limitations, and practical implications for organizations? Most importantly, how can organizations collaborate more effectively with these players to maximize philanthropic opportunities?

Join us for a dynamic discussion bringing together key stakeholders from Quebec’s DAF ecosystem. This session will provide a better understanding of current trends, challenge common misconceptions, and identify practical ways to adapt philanthropic approaches to this rapidly evolving reality.

Topics will include:

• Understanding how DAFs truly operate;
• Exploring trends and the evolution of DAFs in Quebec and Canada;
• Better understanding the motivations of donors who choose this philanthropic vehicle;
• Discussing issues related to gifts coming from DAFs, including accountability and donor relations;
• Debunking myths and perceptions surrounding DAFs;
• Discovering practical strategies for building effective collaborations with DAFs.

Whether you represent a small organization or a large philanthropic development team, this discussion will provide practical tools, perspectives, and insights to help you better navigate this evolving environment.

SPEAKERS

From 2005 to 2011, Kathy served as Vice-President, Advancement and Alumni Relations at Concordia University and as President of the Concordia University Foundation. During her tenure, she led the largest capital and endowment campaign in the University’s history at that time.

Kathy has served on numerous boards and is on the boards of the Fraser Institute and Youth Fusion. She also chaired the Users’ Committee at the Jewish General Hospital from 2015 to 2021.

Kathy holds a degree in Economics and Humanistic Studies from McGill University, as well as an Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership for Nonprofit Organizations from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She completed a Certificate in Governance from McGill University and the Rotman School of Management. Kathy is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.

With more than 20 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, Heather has an excellent understanding of the philanthropic landscape and the charitable sector in Canada. Prior to joining RBC Wealth Management, she served as Managing Director, Philanthropic Services, at RBC Royal Trust. In this role, she oversaw the relationship with the Canadian charitable fund. In addition, she worked in planned giving and major gifts at McGill University, Centraide of Greater Montreal, and Harvard University. Heather holds a Master of Business Administration (International Management) from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics Management and English Literature from Ohio Wesleyan University. She also served as Chair of the National Board of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

Heather works closely with your RBC advisor to identify strategies and solutions that align your charitable intentions with your financial objectives, ensuring an integrated approach to your wealth management needs. We are also pleased to collaborate with your external professionals (accountant, lawyer, etc.) to ensure that strategies tailored to your situation are put in place.

Chantal Thomas was Executive Director of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at the Université de Montréal from 2011 to 2015. Previously, she was Director of Major and Planned Gifts from 2000 to 2011 following years of philanthropic work with the faculties of medicine and music. She participated in three major campaigns for this institution and developed and taught the first course in Major and Planned Gifts in the certificate in philanthropic management at the Université de Montréal, then delivered training in planned giving to notary students. The OSM and McGill (Made by McGill campaign) are also among her experiences.

Her volunteer involvement includes mentoring and delivering presentations in philanthropy, the foundations of Un héritage à partager–Québec, the presidency of the Montréal Roundtable of the ACPDP, and for the CCAE: the presidency of a pan-Canadian conference on major and planned gifts and the co-presidency of an annual Canadian conference.

MODERATOR

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