With communities in dire need and more than $120 billion sitting unused in Donor Advised Funds, the couple instituted a challenge: #HalfMyDAF. In other words, spend half of the donations on grants now because the rainy day has come.
What were your backgrounds before you started the campaign?
JR: David leads Worldreader, a nonprofit that uses digital reading to help children reach their potential everywhere, from sub-Saharan Africa to Oakland.
DR: Jennifer is the author of We Need to Talk: A Memoir About Wealth that tells our story about getting lucky and explores the hidden impact of wealth on identity, relationships and family.
What has been the impact of #HalfMyDAF?
DR: As of mid-August, the movement had raised $5 million for nonprofits supporting homelessness, food security, community support, racial justice and more. The first version of #HalfMyDAF ended on Sept. 30, but we’re laying plans to continue in 2021.
What’s something that people don’t usually understand about philanthropy?
JR: Philanthropy can quickly address challenges. But it alone won’t change systems or work at nationwide scale long-term. The pandemic reminds us that a well-run, competent government matters too—and requires an investment of time, energy and money.
Photography by: Mia Risher
