KJ wanted to do more with her giving, so she transformed her rental property into a powerful philanthropic investment — demonstrating how women can leverage real estate to support the causes they care about most.

When this retiree isn’t showcasing her talents as a craftswoman and builder, she can be found traveling the world or collecting Minnesota Twins and Bugs Bunny memorabilia. But behind her many passions is a deep, values-driven approach to giving — one that reflects a growing movement of women using their assets to make a difference.

“Well, unknowingly I was providing affordable housing through my first house that I turned into rental property,” said KJ. “I wasn’t renting the house to make a lot of money but to make it affordable for tenants and as an investment for my long-term financial goals.”

KJ’s story highlights a broader opportunity: women often hold significant wealth in non-cash assets like real estate, yet many may not realize the full potential of those assets.

Turning Property into Purpose

Inspired by her parents and grandparents and motivated to do more, KJ connected with philanthropic advisor Heidi Tieszen to explore ways to grow her donor advised fund (DAF). During that conversation, she mentioned plans to sell her rental property — unaware that donating it could unlock greater impact.

“With my passion to support affordable housing in the Twin Cities and with it being time to sell the rental house, it just made sense to donate the house and use the proceeds to support other affordable housing projects,” KJ said.

For donors like KJ, gifts of real estate can be a strategic and meaningful way to amplify giving, often allowing them to contribute more than they initially imagined while aligning financial and philanthropic goals.

Creating More Housing and Opportunity for the Community

With her gift, KJ has directed support to affordable housing organizations, including Aeon and Settled. She also contributed her time and expertise — demonstrating how financial generosity and hands-on service often go hand in hand.

“I got connected to one of Aeon’s apartment buildings that’s relatively close to where I live and I was able to provide them with help painting their common areas once a week last winter,” said KJ. “It was a win-win. I was able to use my skill and talent to improve an affordable housing apartment building and they got a free service.”

Through Settled, KJ helped build six tiny homes as part of Sacred Settlements at Mosaic Christian Community.

Her real estate gift also expanded her ability to support her church and other causes.

“Through my donor advised fund with the Foundation I have been able to share more with my church and my affordable housing organizations,” she said.

Donating Real Estate: Expanding Women’s Philanthropy

KJ’s experience underscores how women can use real estate to deepen their philanthropic impact by turning a single property into sustained, flexible support for multiple causes.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation provides pathways for donors to contribute non-cash assets such as real estate, S-Corp shares and cryptocurrency. These options can be especially powerful for women who want to maximize their giving while maintaining thoughtful financial planning.

KJ noted that her Philanthropic Advisor and Heidi Tieszen worked closely with her to ensure her retirement plans aligned with her charitable vision. Together, they navigated the multi-step process of donating the property, selling it, and transferring the proceeds into her fund.

For donors, the process can feel familiar. KJ completed a questionnaire and property inspection and worked with the Foundation’s real estate partners — similar to a traditional sale but with a greater charitable outcome.

A Legacy of Giving for the Next Generation

Beyond the immediate impact, KJ is using her donor advised fund to pass on her values — an area where women philanthropists often lead. Her niece now serves as an advisor on the fund, ensuring her intentions carry forward.

“She will carry on after my death, being able to give out contributions or grants from my donor advised fund, knowing what the intention of it is,” KJ said.

KJ’s story is a powerful example of how women can harness their assets, especially the gift of real estate to not only to support their communities today, but to create a lasting legacy of generosity for tomorrow.

Learn about donating real estate at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.