DAFs 101: Maximizing the Impact of your Donor Advised Fund

Nov 12, 2025 12:00 PM

We’re kicking off Community Foundation Week with energy and purpose! 

Join us for an informative and practical webinar designed to help you maximize the impact and efficiency of your charitable giving through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF). Whether you're new to DAFs or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will walk you through the essentials and advanced strategies for using your fund effectively.

We’ll cover:

• What DAFs are and how they work
• Eligible contributions and common limitations
• Smart strategies for growing and using your DAF
• How to simplify tax season and plan for future giving
• One Big Beautiful Bill—what should DAF-holders know?
• Real-life donor success stories
• A live walkthrough of CFNOVA’s grantmaking portal

REGISTER BELOW

Date: Wednesday, November 12 
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided upon registration)

Who Should Attend:
Donor-Advised Fund Partners, as well as professional advisors—estate planners, tax professionals, attorneys, and wealth managers—interested in understanding the fundamentals behind DAF giving. 

THE PRESENTERS

Renée Byng Yancey is the President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, a role she assumed in 2024. A seasoned nonprofit and philanthropy executive, her career spans leadership roles in education, workforce development, and community engagement. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held senior positions at the American Institute of Architects and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Renée brings a deep commitment to social change, civic engagement, and public-private partnerships. She holds a Master of Science from Drexel University and an honorary Doctorate from Peirce College, where she served on the board of trustees for over 13 years. A proud Northern Virginian since 2007, she is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and active community volunteer.


Kathleen Lowenthal is an expert in nonprofit management, philanthropic advising and fundraising. Throughout her career, across varying roles and organizations, the common thread has been working to develop strategies and execute programs that connect funders with those implementing impactful programs. In her current role at Development Officer at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, Kathleen works closely with the President & CEO, as well as the communications and development teams to align the foundation’s strategies and fundraising targets with the services we provide to our donors and partners.

Gabrielle “Gaby” Webster, is a seasoned leader in donor engagement and community philanthropy, currently enjoying her role as the Director of Donor Relations at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. With extensive experience spanning over a decade, Gaby has demonstrated her expertise in nonprofit management and project coordination. In her previous roles as an Executive Director in association management, Gaby oversaw operations, board relations, and event planning, driving organizational growth and success. Her strategic collaboration and project management skills have consistently delivered impactful results.

Please note: This session is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Attendees are encouraged to consult their own professional advisors for guidance specific to their circumstances.