The DAF is a charity. No difference - so the tax treatment is exactly the same. But it is SO MUCH easier to do a DAF where your brokerage is instead of doing it to the church. It is still pretty easy to do it directly, but not exaggerating, it takes about 30 seconds per security, literally click and send. Two buttons. The convenience can't be beat. I am never going back to donating directly (unless the amounts get small in my old age when I retire) - need to understand the fees before you do it.

Once you DIK it to the DAF, it converts to the investment you select. I will always pick the safe money market option in this case. Too short term. Later, you "recommend" that the DAF donate to the church. Technically it isn't yours anymore, but if the DAF's didn't follow instructions they would be out of business quick. They are making great money at 0.6% management fee on all of the amounts waiting to be donated as people bunch donations.