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DAF trailblazer award

Selection criteria & award significance

The DAF Trailblazer Award is a lifetime achievement honor celebrating individuals whose careers have made an extraordinary impact on donor-advised fund (DAF) philanthropy.

This award recognizes visionary leaders who have shaped the industry, advanced innovative giving strategies, and inspired others to drive meaningful change through philanthropy.

Past winner

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Eileen R. Heisman

National Philanthropic Trust

Eileen R. Heisman, has led the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) for over 25 years as President and CEO, shaping it into the largest independent provider of donor-advised funds in the U.S. Under her visionary leadership, NPT has raised over $50 billion in charitable assets and now manages more than 17,000 donor accounts. But her influence reaches far beyond NPT, having pioneered initiatives like converting complex assets into philanthropic capital and expanding DAF services globally to the U.K.

Eileen’s contributions go far beyond the numbers. She is widely regarded for her innovative leadership, problem-solving approach, and commitment to shaping the future of philanthropy. She has been recognized by The NonProfit Times’ ‘Top 50 Power & Influence’ list for the past decade and has become a sought-after voice in national media, representing the field with dignity and passion.