Why Adam Nash and Daffy are Transforming How We Approach Charity

In this episode of “Tame the Mobile Beast,” host Tom Butta sits down with Adam Nash, CEO and Co-founder of Daffy, to explore the inspiration and growth behind the innovative financial platform designed to enhance charitable giving. They discuss how brands can build a customer-obsessed experience grounded in community, education and feedback.

Short on time? Here are five key takeaways from the conversation:

Understand the “Why” Behind Customer Engagement

Success starts with identifying the emotional drivers behind customer engagement. What are their hopes and fears? Data can give you a correlation, but it doesn’t reveal the “why.” People aren’t motivated to give for a tax break; they give because it’s a part of their identity and morals. Successful brands build products and services around consumer motivations and feelings. This is what Adam calls “finding the heat” and serves as the foundation of Daffy’s success. 

Break Down Barriers in the Customer Journey

Identify friction points in the customer journey and find ways to simplify complex processes. Giving combines two major challenges for consumers: determining how much they can afford and where they want to give it. Daffy takes the effort out of giving by helping people put away money proactively for charities, invest it tax-free and make direct donations to organizations. The simple and seamless customer journey helps them understand exactly what money they have available and where it can go — all from one place.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Education

If your product or service involves specific terminology, don’t shy away from it. Instead, focus on making it accessible to customers through education. Daffy embraces “donor-advised fund,” a foreign term for the everyday consumer. Adam set out to confidently educate customers about its benefits and how it works, turning the unknown into something fun and playful. This approach has positioned Daffy as a knowledgeable resource in the charitable giving space, differentiating the brand from incumbents.

Embrace Customer Feedback to Keep Pace with the Evolving Market

Customer feedback is the cornerstone of success, according to Adam. Brands need to know their audience — not only who they are but also how and where they prefer to engage. You can look at what people click on or where they drop off in the customer journey but you also need to take time to hear how the market and their motivations are evolving. Identify your most passionate customers and actively engage with them. Daffy has a “Voices” program to gather insights from their biggest fans, recognizing their influence and potential to spread the word.

Focus on Building Connection & Community

Adam believes that the most memorable brands create a sense of belonging among customers. Consider how your product or service can facilitate shared experiences. Daffy encourages families to give together, creating shared experiences and fostering intergenerational connections around charitable giving. It also offers features like matching campaigns that empower users to amplify their impact and connect with others who support the same causes. Community-building cultivates a powerful network of advocates who will, in turn, champion your products and services.