Navigating Donor-Advised Funds: Breaking Misconceptions and Unlocking Their Potential 

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Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are reshaping the landscape of charitable giving and are set to have an even greater impact against the backdrop of a shifting political climate and the ongoing Great Wealth Transfer. However, DAFs also bring unique challenges, including misconceptions and questions about relationship-building with donors behind these funds. In this session, hear directly from donor-advised fund representatives and gain the insights you need to fully embrace this giving vehicle. Discover how to maximize the impact of DAFs, address donor inquiries with confidence, and unlock new opportunities for your organization.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

12-1:00 PM (Virtual Program)

Registration: $25 for WID members (through Friday 3/21/25)
$40 for non-members (and members who register late, after Friday, 3/21/25)
Registration will close on Monday, March 24

Login information will be sent one day prior to the program.

No refunds within 7 days of the program

REGISTER

Mary Sullivan
Mary Sullivan has worked in the philanthropy sector for two decades, both in development and on the funding side. She serves as the Manager of Advancement Operations and Donor Relations at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. Mary has a BA in history from Bridgewater State University and an MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Northeastern University.

 Elizabeth Bouchard
Elizabeth Bouchard is a director of Philanthropic Strategies at Fidelity Charitable. Elizabeth joined Fidelity Charitable in 2022 as a member of the Private Donor Group team. In this role, she supports Fidelity Charitable donors in activating their philanthropy for social impact. She is based in Boston and primarily works with New England-based donors. Before joining Fidelity Charitable, Elizabeth spent eight years at Fidelity Foundations, most recently as a senior program officer. She previously worked in the arts and culture sector at New England Foundation for the Arts and the American Repertory Theater. Elizabeth received an MBA with a focus on social impact from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College.

Carlos Byrne
Carlos Byrne is the head of donor advised fund services for BNY Wealth In this role, he manages the team responsible for the oversight, investment management and administration of BNY Charitable, a donor advised fund program established in 2013. Carlos provides expertise in support of individual and institutional clients and has presented at both regional and national conferences. Carlos joined BNY Mellon in 1997 and previously served as a director of relationship management in the Planned Giving Services group.

Carlos is currently on the Board of Trustees of Exeter Hospital, participating on their philanthropy and quality committees. He is on the Leadership Board of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and is part of their philanthropy committee. When serving on the CGP Board, he chaired the investment committee and was on the audit and nominating committees. Carlos was the director of communications when he served on the PGGNE Executive Board. 

Kate Harrigan
Kate Harrigan is Assistant Director of Donor Relations at the Boston Foundation. She supports members of our donor advised fund community by helping advisors identify and execute their philanthropic goals. Kate loves learning alongside members of the donor community. She also helps TBF's Philanthropy Group design donor education events to deepen their understanding of the role philanthropy can play in moving equity forward. Prior to coming to TBF, Kate was the Director of Development for a US-based organization focused on girls' education in Afghanistan. She is also a proud former middle and high school history teacher who spent over a decade in the classroom. Kate is a graduate of Haverford College and Harvard University Graduate School of Education, a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy by the American College of Financial Services and a certified 21/64 Advisor.