Donation FAQ
Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund
Q: What is the Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund?
A: The Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization that works year-round to protect the Boundary Waters through grassroots organizing, lobbying, and public education. It is part of the broader coalition to protect America’s most visited Wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining.
Q: How will my donation be used?
A: Your gift supports direct advocacy, public education, and mobilizing people like you to speak out and pressure decision-makers to protect the Boundary Waters.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: No. Because the Action Fund engages in lobbying and advocacy, contributions are not tax-deductible. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can donate to Save the Boundary Waters here.
Q: Can I donate from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or retirement account?
A: No. Federal and Minnesota campaign finance laws prohibit contributions to 501(c)4 from Donor Advised Funds or retirement accounts such as IRAs or 401(k)s. All donations must be made from personal funds.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can give?
A: No. As a 501(c)(4), the Action Fund can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Q: Will my name be disclosed publicly?
A: No. The Action Fund is not required to publicly disclose its donors.
Q: Can I make a monthly donation?
A: Yes! Monthly gifts provide sustained support to protect the Boundary Waters year-round.
Q: Can I mail in a donation?
A: Yes! You can make checks out to Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund and mail them to Save the Boundary Waters Action Fund, PO Box 625, Ely, MN 55731.
Save the Boundary Waters PAC
Q: What is the Save the Boundary Waters PAC?
A: The PAC (Political Action Committee) is a Minnesota-registered political committee that helps elect pro-Boundary Waters candidates and defeat those who threaten Wilderness protections. It is the electoral arm of the movement to permanently protect the Boundary Waters.
Q: How will my donation be used?
A: Your contribution supports endorsements, campaign materials, voter guides, and direct efforts to elect candidates who will protect the Boundary Waters.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: No. Contributions to political action committees are not tax-deductible. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation, you can donate to Save the Boundary Waters here.
Q: Can I donate from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or retirement account?
A: No. Federal and Minnesota campaign finance laws prohibit contributions to political action committees from Donor Advised Funds or retirement accounts such as IRAs or 401(k)s. All donations must be made from personal funds.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can give?
A: Yes. Under Minnesota campaign finance law, individual contributions are limited. For 2025–2026, individuals may give up to $1,000 per election cycle to a PAC (check with our team for the most current limits).
Q: Can I give from my business or corporation?
A: No. Minnesota law prohibits corporate contributions to state-level PACs.
Q: Will my donation be reported publicly?
A: Yes. Minnesota law requires us to report the name, address, occupation, and employer of donors who give more than $200 per year.
Q: Can I set up a recurring donation?
A: Yes! Recurring donations help us plan ahead and respond quickly during election season.
Q: Can I mail in a donation?
A: Yes! You can make checks out to Save the Boundary Waters PAC and mail them to:
Save the Boundary Waters PAC
729 N Washington Ave #600, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
Please include the name of your employer and occupation for any gifts over $200.