# Growth and utility of donor-advised funds

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/growth-and-utility-of-donor-advised-funds
> Updated: 2026-09-24T19:42:31.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have seen significant growth and are increasingly utilized as a critical source of capital for the charitable sector. In fiscal 2024, DAFs grew by 27.9% to reach a total of $328 billion, with $64.6 billion granted to various charities.

While these funds provide substantial resources, concerns exist regarding their long-term alignment with original philanthropic intents, as new trustees may lack understanding of a founder’s specific goals. 

In Canada, DAFs have emerged as a vital resource for charities facing financial pressures from inflation and declining individual donations. While large institutions like universities and hospitals hold much of the $150 billion in philanthropic foundation assets, smaller and medium-sized charities are increasingly turning to DAFs to secure more diverse revenue streams.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Donor-advised funds emerge as vital resource for Canadian charities

Canadian charities are increasingly relying on donor-advised funds to offset inflation and declining individual donations within a sector that contributes 8.2% to the national GDP.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donor-advised-funds-emerge-as-vital-resource-for-canadian-charities

### 2026-08-31: Donor-advised funds reach $328 billion in fiscal 2024

Donor-advised funds grew 27.9% to $328 billion in fiscal 2024, raising concerns about whether long-term capital management maintains the original philanthropic purpose of founders.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donor-advised-funds-reach-328-billion-in-fiscal-2024

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Cite as: Growth and utility of donor-advised funds. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/growth-and-utility-of-donor-advised-funds