Sep 30, 2026

DAF Day is October 8

A quick glance at the displays in your local store will remind you that the holidays are just around the corner. One holiday is sooner than you may realize.

Since 2024, the second Thursday of October has been celebrated as a national giving day to raise up the power of donor-advised funds (DAFs) to make our world a better place. This year, DAF Day falls on October 8.

DAFS are the fastest-growing tool people are using to:

  • Set money aside for charity
  • Get an immediate tax break
  • Grant to nonprofits anytime

There are nearly 3.6 million DAF accounts nationwide, with assets estimated to surpass $326 billion*!

While people use DAFs for giving throughout the year, DAF Day is about bringing DAF donors together in unified generosity on a single day. 

In 2026, LPGM’s mission to provide access to quality education for people at the margins faces increasing challenges, including rising food and fuel costs. These get in the way of education for people at the margins around the world.

So, on October 8th, let’s stand up for our global neighbors together on DAF Day. 

Here’s how you can help LPGM make DAF Day 2026 a powerful show of strength through generosity:

  1. Already have a DAF? We'd be honored if you'd consider making a DAF grant to LPGM on October 8th. Consider setting a reminder so you don't miss it.
  2. Don't have a DAF? It's one of the most powerful tools for intentional giving — like a 401k for your philanthropy. Learn more and find verified DAF providers at dafday.com.
  3. Share what your DAF will do: Invite your network to “DAF” along with you in support of LPGM. Be sure to share our giving page: www.lpgm.org/donate.
  4. Track your impact: Make all your DAF gifts on the DAF Day Giving Page so your generosity can be counted in real time.   

It’s not too early to get started. Open your DAF account today and tell the world what your DAF will do on DAF Day. Or, if you prefer to be anonymous, know we are still grateful for you, even if we can’t thank you directly when we receive a DAF grant without your name.

When LPGM receives a grant made through a DAF, we send the donor a gift acknowledgement form, but the grant is not tax-deductible, since donors receive a tax deduction upon setting up their DAF. Gifts made by DAF holders constitute a significant and growing part of LPGM's pool of funds, which we then distribute to our partners to support students, especially girls and young women in need. 

We accept DAFPay, in addition to grants made through your fiscal agent. Questions? Contact our office at 612-823-5058 or office@lutheranpartners.org.  

If you’re looking for another reason to celebrate this month, remember October 18th to 25th is National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW). Remember that making a will and estate plan is not only a gift to your favorite causes, but to your loved ones, too. Learn about our free will-making tool in this blog post.  

Thanks, as always, for being a part of the LPGM family.

Bethany Krepela joined LPGM’s team as development director in 2020 and became a Legacy Circle member in 2026. This blogpost was originally shared as her September 2026 Generosity Matters column in the eNews. 

*Philanthropy.com (2025)