What Kind of Donor Are You?
Amplify your giving by identifying your giving style.
By Aurea Gerard, Director of Philanthropic Advising
In Minnesota, generosity shows up in many forms. From supporting a neighborhood food shelf to volunteering at a school, place of worship or community organization, people across our state care deeply about one another. And if you’re new to charitable giving or even if you’ve been giving for years, you’ve likely discovered there’s no single “right” way to make a difference. And guess what? That’s a strength.
Philanthropy reflects who we are, and each donor brings their own experiences, priorities and hopes for the future.
That’s where the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation comes in. As a community foundation with strong connections across the state, we partner with donors at every stage of their philanthropic journey. Whether you’re exploring giving for the first time, seeking to be more intentional or thinking about long-term impact, we’re here to help you shape an approach that fits your values and life.
Here, There and Everywhere
Some donors find themselves giving generously across many causes — responding when needs arise, supporting friends’ fundraisers or contributing to organizations they care about. This kind of giving reflects a big heart, but it can sometimes feel scattered or hard to sustain over time.
For donors like this, working with the Foundation offers clarity and cohesion.
Many choose to establish a donor advised fund, which allows them to organize their giving in one place while maintaining flexibility. Over time, donors often build a more intentional charitable giving “portfolio,” adding tools such as field‑of‑interest funds or legacy plans that reflect their evolving priorities.
Other donors are highly motivated to give but want to understand how their contributions are making a difference, especially when addressing complex challenges facing our state. If you’ve ever hesitated before making a gift because you weren’t sure where it would have the greatest impact, you’re not alone.
We help donors understand community needs, evaluate opportunities and connect with organizations doing effective, community‑driven work. For many donors, this trusted perspective turns uncertainty into confidence and opens the door to deeper, more engaged philanthropy.
Start Small
Some people feel strongly about giving back but assume their resources are too limited to make a meaningful impact. In reality, many donors begin with modest contributions and grow from there.
Establishing a fund at the Foundation with an initial gift of $10,000 can provide a simple, organized way to give. And for those thinking about the future, incorporating a legacy gift through a will, trust or beneficiary designation can create a lasting impact on their communities without affecting day‑to‑day finances.
This is a powerful reminder that thoughtful planning shapes long‑term impact.
Already Rolling
Of course, many donors are already deeply involved — serving on nonprofit boards, supporting multiple organizations or aligning their charitable goals with broader financial and estate plans. If that sounds like you, the Foundation can help you take your impact even further.
From gifts of appreciated assets to multi‑generational giving strategies and long‑term endowment planning, we work alongside donors to strengthen their connection to community and ensure their philanthropy continues to reflect their values for years to come.
One Journey, Many Paths
The common thread across all of these examples is that there’s no single starting point and no final destination. Charitable giving evolves alongside our lives, our families and our communities. What matters most is having the flexibility, local insight and trusted partnership to adapt as those changes occur.
That’s exactly what the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is here to provide. Whether you’re organizing your giving, exploring new opportunities or planning for the future, our team is honored to work with you to make the most of your philanthropy.
To start your giving journey or learn more about how you can expand your giving, contact a member of our Philanthropic Services team today.
About the Author
As Director of Philanthropic Advising, Aurea Gerard is responsible for leading the Foundation's dynamic team of philanthropic advisors. In her role, Aurea partners with donors to help them reach their philanthropic goals and deepen their engagement with the Foundation.
Aurea joined the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in 2012 and brought with her a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector. Aurea studied at the University of Saint Thomas and holds an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in business administration and metaphysical science. She also holds a master’s degree in metaphysical science.
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