At the Mankato Area Foundation, we work with a wide range of donors who want to support causes they care about. Sometimes we meet with individuals and families who have already begun their charitable giving journey by establishing a donor advised fund at a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider. 

But over time, many donors discover that they want something more. They want to learn about local needs, connect with nonprofits making a difference in their community, involve family members in giving decisions, and work with people who are knowledgeable about our region. Or maybe they have complex assets they want to donate – think cattle, grain, buildings, etc. – that aren’t possible through a commercial provider.

For these donors, transferring a donor advised fund from a national charitable sponsor or a commercial provider to the Mankato Area Foundation can be a natural next step.

The good news? Transferring a donor advised fund is often easier than people expect. In many cases, the process can be completed with just a few simple steps.

Here is a simple guide to the process.

Step 1: Start the conversation with MAF
The first step is simply to reach out to us! The MAF team can learn about your charitable interests, answer questions, and explain how a donor advised fund at MAF can support your goals. Many donors are surprised to learn that MAF offers not only the convenience of a donor advised fund, but also local knowledge, philanthropic expertise, and a commitment to strengthening the community.

Step 2: Shape a fund around your values
One of the most enjoyable parts of the process is designing a fund that reflects your charitable vision. You can choose a fund name and discuss how future generations might become involved. Many donors use this opportunity to create a structure that encourages family conversations about generosity and community impact, tapping into MAF’s resources and expertise.

Step 3: Open your new donor advised fund
We’ll provide a simple fund agreement that outlines how the fund will operate and who may recommend grants to nonprofit organizations. The process is typically straightforward, and MAF will guide you through each step.

Step 4: Request the transfer
Once your new fund is established at MAF, contact your current donor advised fund provider and recommend a grant to the Mankato Area Foundation for the benefit of your newly created fund. In many cases, this can be completed online and requires only a few minutes.

Step 5: Confirm the details
To help ensure a smooth transfer, be sure to use the exact name of your new fund and any instructions provided by MAF. We can always help coordinate the details and answer any questions along the way.

Step 6: Choose how much to transfer
Some donors transfer the entire balance of an existing donor advised fund at once. Others prefer to transfer a portion first and move additional assets later. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The right decision depends on your charitable goals, giving plans, and personal preferences. Some donors even choose to maintain their existing donor advised fund at a commercial provider while also establishing a separate locally-focused donor advised fund or other charitable fund at MAF.

Step 7: Start making an impact!
After the transfer is complete, you can begin recommending grants from your MAF donor advised fund. Our team is always here to help you explore community needs, connect with local nonprofits, and identify opportunities for impact. Our Nonprofit Directory is a great resource for discovering nonprofits in Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties – many donors find that this deeper connection to the community becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of their giving.

If you’re considering moving a donor advised fund to MAF, we’re happy to walk through the process and answer your questions. We can help make the transition simple, seamless, and aligned with your charitable goals. Please reach out to Ashley Eimer, 507-344-7269 or ashley@mankatoareafoundation.com to get started.