Omaha Community Foundation leaders complete national DAF certification, enhancing the foundation’s ability to guide donors and advisors through complex giving strategies.
Three leaders from the Omaha Community Foundation are among the first professionals in the country to receive the newly launched Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Professional Certificate from The American College of Financial Services.
President and CEO Donna Kush, Vice President of Donor & Philanthropic Services Vanessa Denney, and Director of Donor Services Katie Vogel all recently completed the national program, which was designed to strengthen expertise around one of the fastest-growing charitable tools—Donor Advised Funds.
“At the Omaha Community Foundation, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of charitable giving,” Kush said. “When our team is certified and continually learning, it ensures we provide our fundholders and advisor-partners with the best solutions and tools available.”
A Donor Advised Fund is a flexible, tax-efficient way for individuals, families, or businesses to support the causes they care about. Donors contribute to their fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits over time. It’s a simple and strategic giving vehicle that can be customized to meet a donor’s giving goals—whether they want to give now or build a legacy for the future.
With more individuals and families turning to DAFs for their flexibility and tax benefits, advisors must be equipped with the right tools to guide them effectively. The certificate program helps financial professionals better understand the technical and strategic elements of DAFs—from tax implications to long-term impact.
In addition to earning the certificate, Denney and Vogel were invited to share their expertise as presenters for the program. Their session covered a range of complex giving options, highlighting topics such as publicly traded securities, real estate, closely held business interests, and even unique assets like cryptocurrency and art. They walked through the features and benefits of each, donor motivations and barriers, and trends among high-net-worth individuals.
“It’s a privilege to help other professionals build confidence in this space,” Denney said. “Philanthropy is evolving, and part of our role is to lead with knowledge and approachability. When advisors understand the full range of assets clients can donate, they’re better equipped to help craft meaningful giving strategies for their clients.”
The Omaha Community Foundation manages more than 2,000 funds and is among the largest community foundations in the country. With the new DAF certification, the Community Foundation continues to grow its influence—not only as a trusted philanthropic partner in the Omaha-Southwest Iowa region but as a national leader in DAF expertise.
For professional advisors, this is an ideal time to start a conversation with clients about opening a DAF with the Omaha Community Foundation. By partnering with the Community Foundation, advisors can offer clients a trusted resource that combines deep local knowledge with customized support—making it simple to turn their personal values into lasting community impact.