Creating change through donor-advised funds this DAF Day

Oct 6, 2025
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Each year, millions of Americans find peace, adventure, and inspiration in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is the most visited Wilderness in the United States, a place defined by clean water, quiet forests, and star-filled skies. 


But this Wilderness is not guaranteed to remain untouched. Sulfide-ore copper mining on its edge threatens to pollute its waters and forever alter the fragile balance of this ecosystem. Protecting the Boundary Waters requires urgent action — and that’s where you come in. 


What is DAF Day? 

DAF Day is a nationwide celebration of the impact of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). This year, DAF Day is celebrated on October 9. 


Billions of charitable dollars are held in DAFs across the country, waiting to be put to work for causes people care about most. On DAF Day, we’re reminded that those funds can create change right now – especially for places as vulnerable and precious as the Boundary Waters.

How does a donor-advised fund work?


Think of a DAF as a charitable savings account:

  • You contribute funds and usually receive an immediate tax deduction.
  • Your  contribution can grow tax-free, giving you even more to give.
  • You can recommend grants to IRS-qualified nonprofits, like Save the Boundary Waters, at any time.
     

DAFs are simple, flexible, and powerful tools for giving. Plus, many Wilderness Defenders are already taking advantage of this type of giving during their lifetime.

Why give through your DAF to Save the Boundary Waters?


When you recommend a grant from your DAF, you’re doing more than making a donation – you’re helping ensure clean water continues to flow, loons call across glassy lakes, and future generations have the chance to experience the Boundary Waters in its pure, wild form.

  • Your DAF gift today will:
  • Escalate legal challenges to fight toxic sulfide-ore copper mining projects.
  • Rally public support to amplify our collective voice.
  • Advocate for lasting protections at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Raise public awareness around anti-Boundary Waters bills.

How can you take action this DAF Day?


The Boundary Waters cannot speak for itself – but you can. 


This DAF Day, let your Donor-Advised Fund do more than grow. Let it protect clean water, preserve wild beauty, and safeguard the experiences that make the Boundary Waters irreplaceable.


Speak loudly for this quiet place. Consider recommending a grant to Save the Boundary Waters today >>

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Ready to make a DAF gift? Here is some more information that may be helpful in making your gift:


Legal name: Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness
Address: PO Box 625, Ely, MN 55731
Tax ID: 01-0743018
Phone: 218-365-7808
Org. Exempt Status: 501(c)(3)
Have additional questions? Reach out to Kelsey Polcher (director of development) at kelsey@savetheboundarywaters.org or 320-237-0742.