Donor-advised funds are revolutionizing philanthropic giving, and in this episode of The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris sits down with author Ted Hart to explore why. Ted's latest book, The DAF Revolution, unpacks how donor-advised funds have become the fastest-growing form of philanthropy ever, with over $250 billion in assets. They discuss the advantages DAFs offer over private foundations, including simplified charitable tax deductions and flexible grant making. Ted shares how to set up a donor-advised fund for tax benefits, addresses common criticisms, and reveals powerful nonprofit fundraising strategies to help organizations access DAF dollars, essential listening for donors, advisors, and nonprofit leaders.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why donor-advised funds outpace private foundations in charitable giving, granting 15-25% of assets annually versus the 5% foundation minimum, and how this benefits donors and nonprofits.

How to leverage appreciated assets through DAFs to maximize charitable tax deductions while avoiding capital gains, plus the three types available—national firms, community foundations, and mission-based organizations.

Actionable nonprofit fundraising strategies to access more donor-advised fund grants, including major gift fundraising approaches.

Best practices for multi-generational giving and legacy philanthropy through DAFs, including involving future generations while maintaining advisor rights.

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Ted Hart and The DAF Revolution book, exploring donor-advised funds as the fastest-growing philanthropic giving vehicle

06:42 Why donor-advised funds outperform private foundations: DAFs grant 15-25% annually versus 5% foundation minimum with charitable tax deductions

08:37 Three types of DAFs: national firms like Fidelity Charitable, community foundations, and mission-based organizations for grant making

14:17 Setting up a donor-advised fund: investment options and multi-generational giving strategies for legacy philanthropy and the downsides of a DAF

22:13 Ten nonprofit fundraising strategies for accessing DAF funding through significant gift relationships

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Donor-advised funds reached $250 billion in assets, hitting their first $100 billion in just 30 years versus over a century for private foundations, making them the fastest-growing philanthropic giving vehicle.

DAFs grant 15-25% of assets annually without payout requirements, while private foundations give only 5%, proving donors are more generous without government mandates and can focus on charitable giving based on values.

Every nonprofit needs a DAF strategy: ten fundraising strategies include significant gift relationships and leveraging community foundations to access this growing funding source.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Ted Hart is a global thought leader in philanthropy and the author of The DAF Revolution: Making a Difference in Our Modern World. With over three decades of nonprofit leadership, he served as CEO of CAF America and CAF Canada, overseeing $4.6 billion in charitable grants to organizations in over 135 countries.

Through TEDHART.COM LLC, Ted advises foundations, corporations, and nonprofits on donor-advised funds, cross-border philanthropy, and ethical fundraising. He hosts The Nonprofit Coach and Everything DAF! podcast, the longest-running program in the nonprofit sector.

Ted Hart - Website

Ted Hart - Facebook

Ted Hart - LinkedIn

Ted Hart: Books - Amazon

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn

Nonprofit fundraising expert Ken Miller joins May Harris on The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast to share transformative insights on building sustainable development programs and organizational resilience. Ken, founder and CEO of Denali FSP, brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from homelessness to becoming a Certified Fund-Raising Executive. He reveals how to start a nonprofit fundraising program by understanding your "why" and reframing donor asks as invitations rather than requests. Ken emphasizes that effective fundraising professionals give donors opportunities to feel good about their contributions. The conversation explores storytelling in fundraising, preparing for setbacks, and navigating nonprofit life cycles with acceptance rather than shame.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to overcome fear in nonprofit fundraising by understanding your personal why and viewing donor asks as invitations to join a meaningful mission rather than uncomfortable requests for money.

Essential steps for nonprofit founders, including legal compliance requirements, avoiding board governance conflicts of interest, understanding nonprofit finance basics like P&L statements and budgets, and joining the Association of Fundraising Professionals for support.

Why shallow engagement through social media fails compared to deep storytelling in fundraising that creates emotional connections, paints pictures of future impact, and builds lasting community through the power of "we."

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Ken shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to a nonprofit fundraising leader and his entry into development director work at Bean's Cafe soup kitchen

04:46 Understanding your why as a fundraising professional and reframing the ask as giving donors opportunities to feel good about supporting causes they believe in

14:41 Essential advice for nonprofit founders, including legal requirements, solicitation licenses, and avoiding board conflicts of interest

20:57 Organizational resilience in facing known versus unknown setbacks and accepting truth when unexpected obstacles arise

30:10 Resources for fundraisers of color and the importance of finding a mentor in the nonprofit sector

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Successful nonprofit fundraising requires understanding your personal why and recognizing that you're not taking from donors—you're allowing them to feel good about supporting something they believe in, which removes fear from the solicitation process.

Nonprofit founders must establish a solid legal foundation, including articles of incorporation, solicitation licenses, and proper board governance that avoids conflicts of interest, ensuring founders never serve on boards that set their own salaries.

Organizational resilience means preparing for known setbacks and accepting the truth about unknown ones—not all problems are solvable, and sometimes the only solution is to face the facts and move forward, not let emotions drive you.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Ken Miller is an author, speaker, and the founder of Denali FSP, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainable funding. His book, Becoming Ken: One Black Man's Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again, chronicles his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and authenticity. Through his keynotes and programs like "From Rock Bottom to Resilience," Ken inspires audiences to embrace truth, face adversity, and make meaningful life choices.

Ken Miller - LinkedIn

Denali FSP - Website

Men of Color in Development - Website

AADO - Website

Association of Fundraisers - Website

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn

Nonprofit advocacy takes center stage as May Harris welcomes John Van Cleef, CEO of Community Resource Center. In this episode, John shares how community-based organizations can amplify voices for vulnerable populations during unprecedented federal funding challenges. He introduces the concept of polycrisis and emphasizes creating psychological safety in nonprofits to support staff navigating trauma alongside clients. Learn how nonprofit leaders can advocate for federal funding through coalition building, policy engagement, and strategic communication. John's insights on revenue diversification, determined perseverance, and leading with compassion offer a roadmap for nonprofit leadership in uncertain times.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How to build psychological safety in nonprofits during polycrisis by creating trauma-informed environments that support staff while they serve clients experiencing food insecurity, housing security challenges, and other critical needs.

Effective nonprofit advocacy strategies, including writing to elected officials, joining nonprofit coalition-building efforts, and partnering with national alliances to protect vulnerable populations during federal funding challenges.

The importance of revenue diversification for nonprofit sustainability, including balancing government funding, private donations, and social enterprise models to weather economic uncertainty.

Leadership approaches for addressing elder food insecurity and emerging needs in middle-income populations through trauma-informed care and dignity-centered service delivery.

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 John Van Cleef's journey from military service to nonprofit leadership through the Salvation Army and into community-based organizations focused on dignity

03:58 CRC's mission serving 7,600+ individuals facing food insecurity, housing security challenges, and domestic violence services in coastal North County San Diego

10:29 Strategies for crisis management, including determined perseverance, understanding data, and creating psychological safety in nonprofits during polycrisis

16:15 Navigating federal funding challenges through SNAP, CalFresh, and the continuum of Care Funding while monitoring appropriations budget impacts on services

21:20 Nonprofit advocacy tactics: joining national coalitions, informing elected officials with policy advocacy, and using voice to protect vulnerable populations

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nonprofit leadership requires creating psychological safety in nonprofits by acknowledging polycrisis, caring for teams experiencing secondary trauma, and providing self-care opportunities like sound baths during work hours to support staff wellbeing.

Effective nonprofit advocacy means writing in, speaking up, and leading. Nonprofit executives have a sacred trust to amplify voices for people who feel voiceless, and this advocacy is working at the federal, state, and local levels.

Revenue diversification is essential for nonprofit sustainability: CRC maintains a balanced portfolio with 55% government funding (28% federal), 30% private funding, and 15% from resale stores to weather funding uncertainties.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

John Van Cleef envisions a world where everyone has what they need to thrive. With over 20 years in human services leadership at The Salvation Army, YMCA, Palomar Health, and Community Resource Center, he connects community compassion to community needs. John serves on the Alliance for Regional Solutions and is a Board Member and Partner for Amplified Impact Partners. A US Army Veteran who served in Panama (1989 to 1992), he's a father of four and grandfather of two. In his spare time, you'll find him hiking, jogging, or cycling around San Diego County, working on his golf swing—but definitely NOT posting on social media.

Community Resource Center

John Van Cleef - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn

Nonprofit accounting and legal services require specialized expertise that most professionals lack. On this episode of Nonprofit Counsel, host May Harris speaks with Mike Payne, founder and CEO of Boss Advisors, about why combining these disciplines creates better outcomes for charitable organizations. Mike shares his journey from Ernst & Young's tax-exempt organization practice to building an innovative firm that integrates nonprofit CPA services with legal counsel. They discuss critical topics, including Form 990 preparation, board governance, conflict of interest policies, and why professionals should never dabble in nonprofit tax compliance. This conversation explores the benefits of combining legal and accounting services for nonprofits, while avoiding costly mistakes that could jeopardize their tax-exempt status.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why nonprofit accounting and legal services should be integrated rather than siloed to prevent costly compliance mistakes

The critical importance of specialized expertise in tax-exempt organizations and why professionals should never dabble in nonprofit law

How to establish proper board governance, including required training, conflict of interest policies, and articles of incorporation reviews

Best practices for Form 990 preparation and understanding the unique disclosure requirements that differ from traditional business tax returns

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Mike Payne's journey from law school to Ernst & Young's tax-exempt organization practice and founding Boss Advisors

05:55 Combining nonprofit accounting and legal services eliminates the client middleman problem in nonprofit tax compliance, and it represents the intersection of law and tax

13:17 The dangers of practitioners dabbling in nonprofit law without specialized expertise in Form 990 preparation

19:16 Discussion of essential board governance training, including conflict of interest policies and required board member education

22:52 Ensuring articles of incorporation and bylaws align with actual organizational activities and charitable purpose

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nonprofit accounting and legal services must be integrated to avoid putting clients in the awkward position of translating information between their accountant and lawyer, which often results in missed critical details affecting nonprofit tax compliance.

Practitioners should never dabble in tax-exempt organizations' work—whether lawyers or CPAs—because the specialized knowledge required means mistakes can result in excise taxes, intermediate sanctions, or complete loss of tax-exempt status for the organization.

Every board governance structure needs the ABCs plus D: articles of incorporation, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, and annual disclosure statements that board members must review and sign to ensure proper understanding and compliance.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Michael Payne, JD, CPA, is a licensed attorney and Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience serving business owners, individuals, and nonprofit organizations across the nation. As Founder and CEO of Boss Advisors, Mike leads the Advisory Practice, specializing in entity structuring, tax strategy, and compliance solutions that maximize efficiency and savings for clients. Having worked with large CPA and law firms before starting his own practice, Mike combines Big Four expertise with personalized service for local businesses and nonprofit organizations across the nation. A proud Arizona native and father of five, Mike holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from NAU and a Juris Doctorate from ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

BOSS Advisors - Website

Mike Payne - LinkedIn

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn

Explore nonprofit accounting and financial leadership on Nonprofit Counsel, hosted by May Harris. T. Hampton Dohrman of Hampton Nonprofit Management breaks down the operational challenges of interim executive director roles. Learn about insurance compliance, workers' compensation, payroll systems, and cash flow planning to stabilize your organization. Navigate board financials, manage restricted funds, gifts, grants, and program service revenue while staying mission-focused. Debunk the overhead myth, balance new programs with fee-for-service models, and use Form 990 reporting for transparency and strategic storytelling. Listen in for actionable insights for nonprofit leaders and boards.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Master nonprofit accounting basics for handling financial crises and ensuring insurance compliance during operational chaos.

Strategies for interim executive director roles, including payroll systems and transition planning in nonprofit management.

Effective board financials presentation, focusing on restricted funds, gifts and grants, and 990 reporting.

Debunk the overhead myth through purposeful cost allocation and mission alignment in program service revenue.

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Hampton explains purposeful money use in nonprofit accounting to advance mission via program service revenue and fee-for-service models

02:12 In a financial crisis, Hampton evaluates bank balance, insurance compliance, and workers' comp to avoid additional operational chaos

08:02 New nonprofit management should focus on mission alignment, awareness of rules, and gradual cash flow planning over perfection

11:45 Mature organizations should emphasize forward-looking board financials, restricted funds, gifts and grants, and 990 reporting integration

17:15 Cost allocation in nonprofit accounting reveals program interplay; lose money on purpose via debunking the overhead myth for growth

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In nonprofit accounting, don't be afraid to spend money to fuel mission growth via program service revenue and fee-for-service offsets.

Interim executive director roles prioritize insurance compliance, workers' comp, and cash flow planning amid financial crisis.

Effective board financials require cost allocation of restricted funds, gifts and grants for mission alignment.

Debunk the overhead myth through strategic storytelling in nonprofit financials and 990 reporting transparency.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

T. Hampton Dohrman, a San Diego-based social entrepreneur and nonprofit advocate, founded and leads Hampton Nonprofit Management, a referral-only firm offering interim executive leadership and support in accounting, operations, and HR to drive mission impact. A Southern transplant, he enjoys San Diego's weather, beer scene, nonprofits, beaches, and its proximity to the border. With expertise in management and accounting, he's also an orchestral musician and a former tech startup founder. A 2022 LEAD Impact Class member and San Diego Business Journal CFO of the Year finalist, Hampton has empowered hundreds of nonprofits to operate smarter and amplify small-org impact.

T Hampton Dohrman - LinkedIn

Hampton Nonprofit Management

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn

Nonprofit leadership takes center stage in this robust conversation with Sarah Tuakli Cooper. Host May Harris brings this discussion to life on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, highlighting Sarah's dual roles as executive director and board chair. With decades of experience, Sarah explores how conflict resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as authentic nonprofit governance, create stronger organizations. She also shares how women of color can embrace courage, self-care, and voice in leadership. This episode offers practical strategies for building strong board and executive partnerships, reminding us that effective nonprofit leadership requires advocacy, collaboration, and a clear vision.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How strong nonprofit leadership helps align the roles of board chair and executive director for greater impact

Why conflict resolution and grace are essential tools for advancing nonprofit governance

The importance of embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into nonprofit strategy and culture

Ways leadership for women of color strengthens voices, builds courage, and drives mission-focused change

Practical steps to enhance nonprofit collaboration and sustain community engagement

Subscribe to The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast and stay ahead on the legal and strategic insights that help nonprofits thrive. Join the conversation and empower your mission with expert guidance every episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Sarah Tuakli Cooper: a woman of color, from teaching in England to volunteering with CASA, her path to nonprofit governance and executive director roles

04:00 Balancing passion and conflict resolution within the nonprofit sector, managing differences while staying mission-driven

08:00 The critical partnership between the board chair and the executive director: the linchpin of effective nonprofit leadership

14:03 Superficial approaches can weaken nonprofit governance; nonprofits should stand firm on their missions and practice courageous leadership

17:12 Advice for young women of color entering the nonprofit sector, focusing on self-care, courage, and embracing authentic leadership for women of color

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Discover how strong nonprofit leadership, effective conflict resolution, and authentic nonprofit governance can transform organizations and drive long-term success.

Learn why diversity, equity, and inclusion, courageous leadership for women of color, and meaningful nonprofit collaboration are essential for thriving communities.

Gain insights on building trust between the board chair and the executive director, enhancing nonprofit leadership, and sustaining impact in the nonprofit sector.

Explore strategies that align nonprofit governance, strengthen nonprofit collaboration, and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the heart of mission-driven work.

ABOUT THE GUESTS:

Sarah Tuakli Cooper is the Executive Director at the Elementary Institute of Science, established in Southeastern San Diego in 1964 to ensure Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in STEM. She spent 20 years teaching computer composition and studio production in London, before moving to San Diego in 2008. She currently co-chairs the Jobs and Education Working Group for the San Diego Promise Zone and has served as Treasurer and Chair of the Board for the United Women of East Africa Support Team. Sarah's global perspective, extensive background in tech education, and commitment to serving diverse San Diego communities inform a leadership approach that is focused on Inclusion and Belonging in fields that are traditionally exclusive. In 2022, she was recognized as a Woman of Influence in Technology in the San Diego Business Journal and is increasingly sought after as a thought leader on issues of diversity in tech.

Sarah Tuakli Cooper - LinkedIn

Elementary Institute of Science

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - LinkedIn