Episode Overview
What if there were billions of dollars already earmarked for charitable giving — just waiting for your organization to tap in? That’s the reality of donor-advised funds, and in this episode of the Shared Brain Podcast, we’re breaking down everything you need to know.
Hosts Peter McKinley and Jill Nelson, both Senior Consultants with Global Philanthropic Canada, sit down for an in-depth conversation on one of the fastest-growing sources of charitable revenue in Canada. From a real-life story of a couple who saved hundreds of thousands in taxes while making a $2 million community gift, to the surprising role DAFs played in sustaining charitable giving during COVID-19 — this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.
Together, Peter and Jill cover:
- What a donor-advised fund (DAF) is and how it works
- How DAFs differ from private foundations — and why that matters
- Key stats from CRA data: over 180,000 DAFs in Canada, giving $1.9 billion to charities last year
- Why DAF holders are among the most valuable donor prospects your organization can identify
- How DAFs may be reshaping the giving landscape even as the number of individual receipted donors declines
Whether you’re a fundraising professional, a nonprofit leader, or someone exploring smarter ways to give, this episode will change how you think about charitable dollars — and how to connect with them.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Peter and Jill continue the conversation.
Featured Speakers
Peter McKinley is a Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada’s Ontario team, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in non-profit management and fundraising across post-secondary education and health care. A pioneer in prospect research and donor pipeline development, Peter built the donor pipeline from scratch at the Ivey Business School at Western — providing critical strategic support for the $78 million Ivey Campaign, the largest single faculty campaign of its time in Canada — and helped drive the $90 million Bold New Brock Campaign at Brock University. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Honours History from Western University, developed a ground-breaking graduate-level course on prospect research and fundraising, and is co-author of the Globe and Mail bestselling book Excellence in Fundraising in Canada. Fun fact: Peter welcomes any major snowfall — snow means snowshoeing!
Jill Nelson is a Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada, bringing over 30 years of fundraising experience specializing in strategic gift planning, legacy marketing, estate administration, and donor stewardship. Known for demystifying gift planning and coaching Boards and staff on integrated programs that lift all revenue streams, Jill spent 18 years as Associate Vice President, Estates and Gift Planning at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and has held senior roles at the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Paraplegic Association. A dedicated leader in the growth of gift planning in Canada, she has served as CAGP faculty, speaker, and board director, and was honoured with the “Friend of CAGP” award (2014) and the inaugural “CAGP GTA Icon Award” (2024). Fun fact: Jill launched her career as a travel escort, leading groups across England, Scotland, Bermuda, Ontario, and Newfoundland. Book a call with Jill today
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The Shared Brain Podcast™ from Global Philanthropic Canada features conversations on Canadian philanthropy, fundraising strategy, and nonprofit leadership. Episodes share practical insights, real-world success stories, and best practices to help mission-driven organizations grow their impact.
