In this two-part series, Forefront will host panel discussions intended to educate sector leaders, fundraisers, and decision-makers about Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and Endowments, and the related policy landscape. People that want to learn more about how these tools might or might not benefit nonprofits and the people they serve should attend Part 1.

People that want to additionally understand related policy implications, pros and cons, and the debate around these tools at the federal and state levels should attend Part 2, which will be held at a later date.

Part 1 will include discussion and Q&A:

• What are DAFs?
• What are endowments?
• How do DAFs and endowments benefit nonprofits, communities, and people in IL?
• How can nonprofit organizations build a DAF or endowment to provide a source of revenue for general operations capital projects?
• How can Illinois entities that manage DAFs participate in the current national study on DAFs that may inform public policy?

Part 1 Panelists:

• Julianne Buck, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Grundy County
• Rose Jagust, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
• Brittany Kienker, DAFRC/National Study on Donor Advised Funds Team
• Molly Rand, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Chicago Community Trust

Register here for Part 1

Coming later in Spring 2023 – Part 2 (date TBA), which will include:

– What are the current public policy implications/debates around DAFs and endowments?

– Endow IL Tax Credit Update + how to get involved

– Federal policy and regulatory updates

– Part 2 Panel is slated to include, Ianna Kachoris, Chicago Community Trust; Regina Bell, Michigan Council on Foundations; Mathew Evans, United Philanthropy Forum, and/or other experts