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

Rochelle Lame Bull Molds Her Own Path as a Fourth-Generation Potter

Rochelle Lame Bull carries on her family traditions and imbues cultural significance through her pottery.

See the project

Important Year-End Giving Dates for Donors

As you make plans for your 2025 year-end fund contributions and grant recommendations, please keep in mind these important dates.

Learn More

2025: Bold Change, Bigger Impact

2025 ignited transformation — new strategies, grant and investment opportunities and a dynamic, new President & CEO, Chanda Smith Baker.

View Our 2025 Year In Review

Future Moves: Kealoha Ferreira Explores Lineage through Dance

Ananya Dance Theatre opened Kealoha to a world of dance and movement beyond Western techniques, which has helped her connect deeply to her own traditional practices.

See the project

Standing Together: How to Support Minnesota's Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors

These organizations work every day to support all members of our community — across cultures, identities and experiences.

How You Can Help

The Landscape of Minnesota: A State of the State

A webinar in partnership with the Center for Rural Policy and Development shared rural Minnesota trends, community impact and what we can do to build a thriving state.

Watch the recording

Singing for Justice: Waigwa Leads Choir in Lifting Voices and Community

Choral director Waigwa aims to bring the human experience to the concert stage.

See the project

Empowering Change in the Next Generation of Asian Leaders

Minnesota nonprofit Future of Us is helping Asian American Pacific Islander youth find their voices and become agents of change.

See the impact

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field