Skip to main content

Christine Noonan shares how giving has become a family tradition.

For Christine Noonan, giving is a family affair. Something initially started by her parents George and Judy has morphed into a family tradition that includes three generations of givers.

Inspired by her parents' generosity, Christine and her husband decided to open a donor advised fund (DAF) of their own with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. Through their fund, they carry on the practice of giving, an act her children learned with her parents.

video poster

A Meaningful Partnership

“The idea of setting aside a fund at the Foundation is a way for us to be thoughtful, more intentional and more planful in our giving,” said Christine. “Just the value of that has meant a lot to our family. To pass that on after my husband and I are gone to our children and then they know that money is there for them to be able to give to things that are important to them is really beneficial.”

In the video above, Christine talks with her philanthropic advisor Mala Thao — sharing her giving journey and how meaningful her partnership with the Foundation has been in her family achieving their giving goals.

This relationship with a trusted, local advisor inspired Chris’ daughter Stephanie to donate to Ampersand Families after seeing the nonprofit organization on a list provided by her philanthropic advisor.

To help families like Christine’s better engage in conversations about charitable giving and impact, our philanthropic advisors utilize the 21/64 approach. The name 21/64 stems from a multigenerational approach to family collaboration. ‘21’ symbolizes the time when young people come of age, while ‘64’ represents the age people typically think about their legacies. The 21/64 training they receive provides philanthropic advisors with tools and techniques to help multigenerational families have open conversations about values, money and giving.

This is one of the donor services the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation offers to our fundholders.

“The idea of setting aside a fund at the Foundation is a way for us to be thoughtful, more intentional and more planful in our giving.

Christine, Fundholder

More Stories

Brass Solidarity: Bringing Music to George Floyd Square

Trumpet player Butchy Austin and his band, Brass Solidarity, use their sound for good every Monday in George Floyd Square.

See the project

Minnesota Latino Museum: Celebrating Mexican and Latino Art and Culture

Learn how one organization is establishing an arts and cultural landmark in Saint Paul.

See the Highlights

Announcing Our 2025 Facing Race Award Recipients

This year’s awards recognize five Minnesotans building solutions that unite instead of divide from Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Duluth and Winona.

Read the News

Is a Donor Advised Fund with a Community Foundation Right for You?

Answers to the following five questions will determine if a donor advised fund may be right for you.

Find out more

Donating Stock to Support Your Favorite Charities

Did you know that donating stock can grow your charitable impact and support your favorite nonprofit organizations?

See How

Making Red Wing an Arts & Culture Destination

Art adds value to every community – and in Red Wing, Minnesota, a collaboration is bolstering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

See the Highlights

A Letter from Chanda On Her First Day

Chanda Smith Baker, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation President & CEO, shares a note to community on her first day leading the Foundation.

Read the letter

Investing in the Future: Supporting Nonprofit Sustainability and Capacity Building

Investing in nonprofit sustainability is one of the most generous and strategic choices a donor can make.

Read part four

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field