It's time to
give advised.

If you have a  Donor Advised Fund (DAF), we have good news. While it may feel like the assets in that fund have already been given away, they’re actually waiting to be spent. By you. On causes you care passionately about. From education to arts to greening up our world, the Minneapolis Foundation can help you get past the uncertainties and start spending, offering personalized philanthropic expertise and local insight to guide you.

Communities are facing unprecedented challenges—from affordable housing shortages to educational inequities and the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, billions of charitable dollars sit in DAFs, already tax-deducted but not yet deployed to address these pressing issues.

Our new campaign (locals will see it around Minneapolis) aims to change that by encouraging DAF holders to  Give Advised. Here’s the thinking: You probably received advice to earn that money, now get some to give it away. That’s the advised part of Donor Advised Funds, and it is exactly what we do.

The Minneapolis Foundation can help you use that DAF to meet the urgency of the moment. With a little advisement, you can donate it to causes you connect with deeply. Our team of Philanthropic Advisors offers customized resources and experiences to create pathways for you to learn, connect with others, and expand your vision of what’s possible. Here’s how we do it, in real life:

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION. One family has spent the past two years actively involving younger members in their philanthropy. Working with their philanthropic advisor, they’ve participated in reflective conversations to help define their family values and giving goals. Together, they’ve built relationships with community organizations through tours that include multiple generations—proving it’s never too early or too late to engage in family philanthropy.

SUPPORTING DONORS ACROSS GEOGRAPHIES. Minneapolis may be in our name, but the work we do with donors extends far beyond the Twin Cities. Recently, we supported a second-generation family member who moved to Denver and wanted to continue the philanthropic traditions he learned from his parents. Our team provided research, resources, and relationship-building tools to help him establish connections with organizations in his new city while maintaining his family’s legacy of giving.

WELCOMING NEW DONORS. When new fundholders join our community, we take time to get to know them and understand their passions and focus areas. Last year, we worked with a couple who were passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and immigration initiatives. Our team provided customized research on how federal policies and funding are impacting local organizations in these areas and connected them with nonprofit partners making a difference.

FROM INTENTION TO IMPACT. Seven years ago, one couple expressed hope that their children would someday participate in their giving decisions. This past fall, their now-teenage children joined Mom and Dad and their Philanthropic Advisor to discuss values, giving preferences, and reflect on how generosity has touched their own lives. We’re now supporting them as they make intentional philanthropic gifts and help the next generation build their own giving muscles.

EVOLVING PHILANTHROPIC JOURNEYS. Life changes often prompt a fresh look at giving strategies. For several donors who established mission statements years ago, we’ve recently revisited their impact goals as they enter new life stages or update estate plans. Our personalized activities help individuals, couples, and families navigate these transitions while staying true to their philanthropic purpose.

Whether you’re a long-time DAF holder looking to maximize your impact or new to this giving vehicle, we can help you transfer or start a fund, then get to using it. Education, environment, housing, kids, healthcare, economic opportunity—your cause is waiting.

And we’re ready to help you get connected, create a plan, and start spending that DAF. Visit giveadvised.org to get started.

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CHRIS BEACH
Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Services