New Donor-Advised Fund Professional Certificate Program

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – January 2, 2025 – The American College of Financial Services is excited to announce the creation of its Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Professional Certificate Program. This program aims to empower staff at DAF-sponsoring organizations to create a shared standard of knowledge and competency for the DAF industry. Registration is now open for the inaugural program, which will be held in-person at The Adolphus in Dallas, Texas, from April 8-9, 2025.

This industry-first certificate program will offer a complete picture of day-to-day DAF program management and include sessions on the evolving philanthropic landscape, understanding motivations to give, identifying assets to donate, managing gift acceptance, effective grantmaking principles, investment strategy alignment, building strong relationship management, planning for succession of funds, and DAFs as part of estate planning. The curriculum will include 12 to 15 hours of instruction and valuable networking opportunities.

“Building a shared understanding of DAF management and application ties deeply to The College’s mission of applied knowledge, dating back to our founding in 1927,” said George Nichols III, CAP®, president and CEO of The College. “Our new DAF Professional Certificate Program continues our legacy of standard-setting applied knowledge that takes what’s in a textbook and brings it to life, so DAF professionals can apply this knowledge immediately.”

The College has developed its new DAF Professional Certificate Program in collaboration with four premier sponsors: Fidelity Charitable, National Philanthropic Trust, Vanguard Charitable, and DAFgiving360. These partners bring extensive expertise and resources, ensuring participants gain insights from leading organizations in the field. The program also incorporates guidance from Daylight Advisors and other stakeholders to provide a comprehensive understanding of DAFs and enhance the overall educational experience.

“Investing in education around DAFs is essential for the future of philanthropy,” said Chia-Li Chien, PhD, CFP®, PMP®, Associate Provost, Undergraduate & Graduate Programs. “This program will enhance the skills of DAF professionals but also elevate the entire philanthropic ecosystem.”

The DAF Professional Certificate Program aims to establish a common language and set best practices, ensuring that participants emerge as informed leaders. Upon completion, learners will receive a certificate and a digital badge recognizing them as a DAF Certified Professional.    

For more information about the program, please visit www.theamericancollege.edu/DAF.

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ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation’s largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College’s faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. 

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Contact

Sarah Tremallo
908-967-0381 / Stremallo@jconnelly.com

Jared Trexler
610-526-1268 / jared.trexler@theamericancollege.edu