Across the country, more than $250 billion is sitting in Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)—money that has already earned donors a tax break but hasn't yet reached the very worthy communities and causes those donors care about. The Minneapolis Foundation is on a mission to change that.
“DAFs are powerful philanthropic tools, but they’re only impactful if they’re being used,” says Chris Beach, Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Foundation. “We’re focused on helping donors move from intention to action—to be generous now, not just someday.”
That’s the core message behind the Foundation’s new Give Advised campaign, which encourages DAF holders to take the next step: actually giving. “You probably got advice to earn that money,” the campaign declares. “Now get some to give it away.”
Activating Dormant Generosity
Unlike private foundations, which must distribute at least 5% of their assets each year, DAFs have no minimum payout requirement. That flexibility means many donors set aside funds with good intentions—but then leave them sitting idle, sometimes forgetting the money there or getting stuck in a giving rut, directing support to the same causes year after year without deeper engagement or reflection.
The Minneapolis Foundation sees an opportunity to change that dynamic by making it easier, more rewarding, and more personal for donors to connect with pressing local needs, and by reminding donors that a DAF isn't a donation until it's spent.
“We have a DAF problem," Beach explains. “They’re fantastic tools, but they’re underutilized. Too many institutions are sitting on these dollars without offering the kind of support donors need to turn giving into action. We’re changing that.”
As part of its long-term vision, the Foundation is working to more than double the dollars invested in the community over the next 10 years. It’s an invitation for both current and future donors to be bold, recognizing that the time for transformational giving is now.
Giving with Insight—and Impact
A key part of the Foundation’s strategy is activating its philanthropic advisors to help individuals, couples, and families make the most of the “advised” part of Donor Advised Funds by clarifying what they care about and connecting them with organizations and opportunities that align with their goals.
“This is a pivotal moment,” says Beach. “With so many urgent needs in our communities—housing, food access, youth opportunity—we’re helping donors get closer to the issues and be part of real solutions.”
The nonprofit landscape is shifting rapidly, with policy and funding changes creating new challenges and opportunities to reimagine what’s next. That makes it more important than ever for donors to be agile, informed, and engaged—qualities the Foundation is uniquely positioned to support.
A New Kind of Support
What makes the Minneapolis Foundation’s approach unique is not just its commitment to impact, but its commitment to more informed and connected donors. “We walk alongside our donors,” Beach says. “We listen deeply. We help them understand what’s happening in the community and how their dollars can do the most good.”
This approach includes hosting events, learning sessions, and facilitated conversations with nonprofit leaders and changemakers that help donors discover the possibilities and personal connections they crave. It also means offering flexible tools—from research and family philanthropy resources to impact investing and long-term legacy planning—to help donors and their families give with confidence and clarity.
“Giving should feel meaningful. It should feel joyful,” says Beach. “And it should feel connected to something real.”
The Rallying Call
The Foundation is not shy about asking donors to move resources off the sidelines. As one of the campaign ads declares, “A Donor Advised Fund is a philanthropic nest egg. Crack it.”
“This is the time,” says Beach. “This money was set aside to help others. Let’s make sure it does.”
Visit GiveAdvised.org to learn more.