In Excel, can I get a formula result to show in a different cell?

If specific text (“N/A”) is entered in column D, I want the cell in column C to automatically show the date entered in a specific cell elsewhere on the worksheet. Column C has conditional formatting so that if it’s blank the cell highlights in red. So if I put my IF formula in that cell in column C it throws off my conditional formatting since the cell is no longer blank. Can I put that IF formula in a hidden column and get the answer to that formula show up in column C?

Any advice is appreciated!