American College Launches Certification for Donor-Advised Funds

The 30-hour online curriculum aims to bridge a significant knowledge gap for financial advisors, nonprofit executives, and philanthropic practitioners. Unlike fragmented continuing education, this program covers the full lifecycle of a fund—from initial formation and complex asset valuation to estate integration and regulatory governance. The coursework is designed to provide a unified framework for both the donors' financial representatives and the sponsor organizations managing the grants.

Paul M. Caspersen, the program director for the DAFCP, noted that high-net-worth clients now demand specialized proficiency in philanthropic planning. By standardizing best practices, the designation allows advisors to optimize large-scale giving while providing nonprofit staff with the technical grounding needed to steward funds effectively. The program, developed with input from over 20 industry experts, is structured into six modules covering everything from tax law and IRS compliance to the ethics of gift acceptance.

Participants can complete the self-paced coursework in eight to 20 weeks without meeting specific prerequisites. According to George Nichols III, president and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, the credential is intended to help professionals differentiate their practices in an increasingly competitive sector. Enrollment is currently open for the inaugural cohort beginning September 1.