Minnesota Council on Foundations

This year has been filled with exciting changes and growth for Minnesota Council on Foundations! Today, we're sharing a friendly update about our staff and the roles they play at MCF.

Read all about it here 👉 https://mailchi.mp/mcf/meet-our-team-new-faces-promotions-at-mcf

From July 24-24, U.S. Census Bureau Director Santos and his team met with leaders of the Deaf community, Native American legislators and American Indian and Alaska Native group leaders, rural stakeholders, and African American, African immigrant, and Latino leaders, Hmong community leaders, leaders from the Minnesota Census and Mobilization Partnerships’ Co-Creators table, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, and state government leaders.

Read more about Director Santos visit: https://mcf.org/news/united-states-census-bureau-director-visits-minnesota-communities
_______________________________________________________________________
We're so grateful to all the community leaders, organizations, and partners, who participated in visits and shared your knowledge and perspectives with the U.S. Census Bureau team.

Foundations at the Minnesota Philanthropy meeting: Blandin Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Golden Valley Community Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Rochester Area Community Foundation, Willmar Area Community Foundation, Mankato Area Foundation, Northfield Shares - Northfield MN Community Foundation, Woodbury Community Foundation, St. Croix Valley Foundation, Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, and Minnesota State Demographic Center

Members of the Minnesota Census and Mobilization Partnership Co-Creators: Voices For Racial Justice, Minnesotans for the American Community Survey and 2030 Census, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, APIC - NW Minneapolis Area, Common Cause Minnesota, Asian American Organizing Project, CAPI USA, Isla;mic Civic Society of America, Isuroon.org, Santamaria Broadcasting, Inc., and Minnesota State Demographic Center

Minnesota Census and Democracy Partnership: Voices For Racial Justice and Minnesotans for the American Community Survey and 2030 Census

Hmong Community and Asian American Leaders: Hmong Cultural Center of Minnesota, Ramsey County Government Relations, HAP, Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum, Office for Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong, Office of Representative Illan Omar, CAPI USA, Coalition of Asian American Leaders - CAAL, Office of Councilmember Nelsie Yang, Asian Pacific Islander Coalition, APIC - NW Minneapolis Area, Asian American Organizing Project, MN House of Representatives, State of Minnesota Demography Center, and MN8

And board members of Deaf Equity

We want to give a special shoutout and express our deep gratitude to our Catalyzer sponsors for making our 2024 Joint Annual Conference with Minnesota Council of Nonprofits come to life!

There's still time to join our nonprofit and philanthropic communities at the MCN & MCF 2024 Joint Annual Conference on Oct. 10-11, 2024. Register today: https://www.mnjointconference.org/information

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Thank you to all of our sponsors!

🦋Catalyzer Sponsors: The Bush Foundation, Blandin Foundation, and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies

🐝Sustainer Sponsors: Bremer Bank, Old National Bank, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

🌷Ally Sponsors: Best Buy, McKnight Foundation, and General Mills

🦋Partner Sponsors: SUCCESS Computer Consulting, See What I Mean LLC, Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing, UST, Gallagher, Lathrop GPM, Faegre Drinker, Mytech Partners, Inc., Creative Fundraising Advisors, Stonebridge Capital Advisors, The Minneapolis Foundation, Carlson Family Foundation, OTT, Inc., and UMN - Humphrey School of Public Affairs

🐝 Connector Sponsors: BILL, CBIZ, akoyaGO, Brave North Technology, CLA, Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, Winnebago Industries, Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation, Streamworks, Inspiring Sight, Mahoney - CPAs and Advisors and Creative Planning, LLC

🌻Additional Sponsors: MinnPost, Nilan Johnson Lewis, Abdo, and Engage Print

Advance your work in philanthropy at the 2024 MCN & MCF Joint Annual Conference!

Dive into topics around your role and interests by designing your own curriculum over two days, with five rounds of breakout sessions and 10 tracks to choose from, including:

🐝 A Decade of Data: Status of MN Women+
🐝 Shifting Organizational Culture Orientation from Perfection to Growth
🐝 Where Does Your Cash Sleep at Night?
🐝 Beyond the AI Buzz: Practical Generative AI Applications for Nonprofit Leaders

Are you ready to cross-pollinate and collaborate on a beautiful future?

🌼 Register for the 2024 Joint Annual Conference: https://www.mnjointconference.org/information
🌷 See all 55 breakout sessions: https://www.mnjointconference.org/breakout-sessions-list

We're so grateful to our Annual Conference sponsors who are making our 2024 Joint Annual conference come to life. Without them, we wouldn't be able to gather our nonprofit and philanthropic communities to cross-pollinate and dive into the complexity of our sector.

Haven't registered for the Joint Annual Conference yet? Join us and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits on October 10-11, 2024 by registering today! 👉 https://www.mnjointconference.org/

🦋Catalyzer Sponsors: The Bush Foundation, Blandin Foundation, and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies

🐝Sustainer Sponsors: Bremer Bank, Old National Bank, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

🌷Ally Sponsors: Best Buy, McKnight Foundation, and General Mills

🦋Partner Sponsors: SUCCESS Computer Consulting, See What I Mean LLC, Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing, UST, Gallagher, Lathrop GPM, Faegre Drinker, Mytech Partners, Inc., Creative Fundraising Advisors, Stonebridge Capital Advisors, The Minneapolis Foundation, and Carlson Family Foundation

🐝 Connector Sponsors: BILL, CBIZ, akoyaGO, Brave North Technology, CLA, Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, Winnebago Industries, Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation, Streamworks, Inspiring Sight, and Mahoney - CPAs and Advisors

🌻Additional Sponsors: MinnPost, Nilan Johnson Lewis, and Abdo

🌞Thank you to all of our members who attended this year's 2024 Summer Social!😎

We know philanthropy works best when we focus less on short-term transitions and instead build long-lasting relationships with each other, and in turn to the communities we serve. Whether this was your first or fifth Summer Social, we hope you left this space feeling celebrated and with new connections.

A huge thank you and shoutout to McKnight Foundation for hosting and sponsoring this year's Summer Social.

On June 18, 2024, MCF, the Black Collective Foundation MN, and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies held a Minnesota-specific discussion about the recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals against the Fearless Fund.

During this briefing, we focused on ongoing questions and legal implications the decision raises for Minnesota's field of philanthropy. Our presenters provided insights and reactions about the decision against the Fearless Fund. They contextualized these themes as they relate to foundation strategies and DEI commitments. They shared considerations and legal insights about issues related to grantmaking, employment, data collection, and the impact on philanthropy’s nonprofit partners.

Learn more about the lawsuit against the Fearless Fund⬇️
https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2cdc8zv066plxdq1p83cw/culture/how-the-fearless-fund-lawsuit-is-provoking-outrage-new-dei-strategies-and-renewed-commitment

Read reactions from ABFE and Council on Foundations⬇️
🔹https://www.abfe.org/blog/abfe-issues-statement-following-fearless-fund-decision
🔹https://cof.org/news/court-rules-against-fearless-foundation-council-independent-sector-statement?utm_content=295600757&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-22250

Juneteenth marks the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, had learned they have been freed. This was two years after President Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.

As an organization who is committed to DEI and anti-racism for not only us but our philanthropic community, we are holding space for solidarity and remembrance while we continue to center and honor Black joy, Black excellence, and Black liberation not only for today but every day. MCF’s office is closed today in observance of Juneteenth.

If you’d like to learn more about Juneteenth and how you can celebrate, read this article from the Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/what-is-juneteenth-celebration-ideas-federal-holiday-2f7116be4418065cd954b6dbf98c62b8

✨It's official: The 2024 Joint Annual Conference website is live!✨

At this year's joint conference with Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, we'll focus on the theme of Mosaic: Meaningful Collaboration in a Complex World. We aim to explore the multifaceted dynamics that characterize the relationship between funders and nonprofits. These layered relationships reveal both opportunities for joy and growth, as well as challenges and tensions. By acknowledging and actively engaging with this complexity, we can transform the collaborative efforts of our sectors into a vibrant mosaic of innovation and progress.

🐝 Visit the website to learn more about our 2024 Joint Annual Conference and all its offerings: https://www.mnjointconference.org/

🌼 Are you one of our members, a foundation, or a grantmaking nonprofit? Haven't registered for our Annual Conference yet? There's still time! Register today at https://mcf.org/events/2024-mcf-mcn-joint-annual-conference

🦋 Together, we are ready to create lasting change. We can't wait to see you there!

We are delighted to announce that nominations are open for the Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor (formerly the Virginia Binger McKnight Unsung Hero Awards)!

In partnership with McKnight Foundation, this awards program will celebrate seven everyday champions from across the state whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of our communities and creating a more caring and connected Minnesota.

Do you know an inspiring individual who makes their community a much better place to be? Nominate them today. Nominations will be accepted through June 5, 2024.

https://mcf.org/news/virginia-mcknight-binger-heart-community-honor

⏰ There are just a few days left to get your nominations in for the 2024 Facing Race Awards.

If you know someone who is deserving of recognition for their commitment to racial equity and anti-racism efforts in Minnesota, consider nominating them for the 18th annual Facing Race Awards.

🏆 Award recipients can be self-nominated or nominated by the community. Up to four recipients will receive a grant to benefit a Minnesota nonprofit of their choice and will be recognized at an award show later this year.

Nominations close this Friday, March 29 at 5 p.m. Learn more and nominate someone today at https://hubs.ly/Q02q9lNn0

Let your voice be heard! 🗣️ Participate in the 2024 Minnesota Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey and champion pay equity and transparency in our sector.

By signing up, you're not just sharing pay insights; you're fueling pay transparency efforts across the entire sector for every jobseeker and organization. Join us in creating a stronger, more equitable nonprofit landscape!

Participating organizations receive a 50% discount on the finished publication and are entered for a chance to win two free registrations to the 2024 MCN & Minnesota Council on Foundations Joint Annual Conference, October 10-11 in St. Paul.

Sign up to participate by May 31: https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-tools/publications/2024-minnesota-nonprofit-salary-benefits-survey-participant-commitment

The work of MCF’s public policy team has expanded in recent years. In addition to policy and advocacy work, the team has contributed to mobilizing philanthropy for community impact by strengthening partnerships with government and nonprofits, hosting pooled and aligned funding opportunities, leading community engagement initiatives, and convening cross-sector coalitions. This year, MCF is deepening its commitment to climate resilience and rural-urban bridging, and expanding its democracy work to include a focus on the important role of local media through the Press Forward Minnesota initiative.

To reflect the growth and the additional capacity needs of the team, MCF’s re-named Policy & Partnerships team will be hiring a third member, a manager to focus on climate and disaster resilience and rural-urban bridging: https://mcf.org/job-board/manager-policy-and-partnerships

May Yang has been promoted to Senior Manager of Policy & Partnerships and will expand the scope of her democracy work to include serving as the staff lead on the Press Forward Minnesota initiative. Katina Mortensen has been promoted to Vice President of Policy & Partnerships and will be responsible for this expanded team and scope of work. Congrats to May and Katina, and thank you for all you do at MCF!

🎉 Join us in celebrating the appointment of Wakinyan LaPointe, Tiwahe Foundation Board Chair & Program Officer at Headwaters Foundation for Justice, to the Minnesota Council of Foundations (MCF) Board of Directors for 2024. This marks a positive step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion in philanthropy.

Wakinyan LaPointe, a proud Sicangu Lakota citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Nation, brings a wealth of experience working with the Twin Cities American Indian Communities to the MCF Board. As the Program Officer for Native Communities, he leads the Fund of the Sacred Circle at the Headwaters Foundation for Justice, showcasing his passion for culturally responsive Native-led philanthropy. His values as a Lakota singer and storyteller guide him in his impactful work.

Let's celebrate Wakinyan's appointment, and we look forward to how Indigenous values can help make Minnesota a place where philanthropy becomes a catalyst for transformation, embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging.

Together, let's make a difference and build a more inclusive, vibrant philanthropic landscape. Please share your thoughts on how the world of foundations and giving can better serve our Native communities. Stay tuned for updates on our initiatives and the incredible impact we can achieve together!

We're hiring! MCF is seeking a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. See the full position description for more information: https://mcf.org/job-board/director-diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Today is your last chance to have a say in your local election! Things that impact you daily like your kids’ schools, roads, snowplows, local taxes, etc., are determined by your local elected officials. And these races are often won by a small number of voters. You can make a difference. Cast your ballot, use your voice. Make your community a great place to live. Polling locations are open from 7am-8pm. The Office of the Secretary of State has your Election Day needs covered: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/

If you have questions, you can call their elections line: 651-215-1440. Happy voting!

Calling all foundation members! The Minnesota Council on Foundations encourages you to join United Philanthropy Forum’s on October 4, 2023, in support of the . This bill would incentivize millions of more Americans to give and support their communities by restoring the non-itemizer charitable deduction. Join us in urging Congress to support communities. Call, write, or post on social media on October 4th to ask your lawmakers to co-sponsor the Charitable Act! Take action now: https://www.unitedphilforum.org/forum-advocate-action-center

Thank you to our members who joined us for our Summer Social! It was a wonderful evening of community building in the beautiful new RBC Gateway Tower. We thank our sponsors - Old National Bank, RBC, and RBC Global Asset Management - for their support. We hope to see you all again next time!

Registration is open! We hope to see you in February.

Join MCF's 2023 Annual Conference - an inspiring and educational event for Minnesota's philanthropic sector. In 2023, MCF is partnering with the hosts of Countering Hate to create two dynamic days of reflection, peer networking and learning.

Mobilizing Philanthropy | Countering Hate
Downtown Minneapolis
Wednesday, February 8, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 9, 8:00 a.m. - noon

This special collaboration spotlights the best of Minnesota's philanthropic sector. The two-day schedule includes peer-led workshops, high-profile keynote sessions, informal and formal networking and reflective conversations about philanthropy's responsibility to step into its power to combat the social ills of hate and white supremacy.

Bring the whole team! From now through January 9, 2023, MCF is offering a buy 3, get 1 free deal. See registration page for details.

Register today: https://mcf.org/events/mcf-2023-annual-conference-mobilizing-philanthropy-countering-hate-0

Announcing MCF's 2022 Annual Meeting Speakers!

At MCF's 2021 annual meeting we engaged you, MCF members, to inform our strategic planning process. You provided critical insights and ideas for the future, and rooted MCF in the values of our philanthropic community. Over the following months, we developed a new strategic framework with your input, which will be revealed at MCF's 2022 annual meeting.

We will focus a dynamic panel discussion on one new commitment: strengthening nonprofit and government partners for community impact. Join us for this discussion with key leaders of the philanthropic, nonprofit and government sectors, including:

Marcus Pope
President of Youthprise and Vice Chair of the MCF Board of Directors

Nonoko Sato
Executive Director of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Kristin Beckmann
Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan

Join us as we consider the opportunities and imagine the possibilities for Minnesota with foundations, nonprofits and government strategically connected to lead.

https://mcf.org/2022-annual-meeting-members

MCF's newest report exploring the grantmaking landscape in Minnesota is available on our website now. This edition features data from MCF's 2022 Grantmaking Practices Survey, conducted over the summer of 2022. This survey measures how current grantmaker practices align with MCF's Principles for Philanthropy. It covers topics such as:

-General operating funds
-Multi-year grants
-Community involvement in designing grant programs and awarding grants
-Reporting time required for final grant reports
-Funding to BIPOC-led organizations

Visit our website to download the new report: https://mcf.org/news/giving-minnesota

MCF’s Director of Public Policy, Katina Mortensen, is on parental leave through March 2023. MCF wishes Katina and her family all the best as they welcome their newest addition!

May Yang will be serving as the Interim Public Policy Director. Please contact May for all public policy work and how to get involved: https://mcf.org/may-yang

Happy Election Day!

Today is the last day you are eligible to vote in the midterm election. Please don’t miss the chance express your right to vote.

· Where to vote: https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/
(Note, many polling places changed due to Redistricting.)

· Same day registration: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/register-on-election-day/

· Your ballot: https://myballotmn.sos.state.mn.us/

· Covid positive: Use agent delivery or curbside voting.

For any/all other questions, please go here to contact the office of the secretary of state or call 651-215-1440 or Toll Free 877-600-VOTE (8683). https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/

Congratulations, Danyelle! This is a well deserved honor.

Registration for the 2022 MCF Annual Meeting of Members: Connect to Lead is open now! Join the MCF board of directors and your peers in Minnesota philanthropy to hear about the state of MCF and participate in electing 2023 directors to the MCF board.

Learn more: https://mcf.org/2022-annual-meeting-members

Reminder: The MCF Office will be closed on Monday, October 10th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Learn more about events happening across the country (including Minnesota and some virtual opportunities) here: https://nativephilanthropy.org/event/indigenous-peoples-day/

Indigenous Peoples' Day - Native Americans in Philanthropy Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates and honors Indigenous peoples and commemorates our histories and cultures. Here is a list of Indigenous Peoples’ Day events happening across the country: Online/Virtual: 2PM EDT: […]

MCF wishes those who observe Yom Kippur an easy and meaningful fast. G'mar chatima tova.

Thank you, Ben, for your service to MCF and Minnesota philanthropy! We wish you the best as you start this next chapter.

https://www.jeromefdn.org/jerome-president-ben-cameron-retire

Join María Fund Executive Director Xiomara Caro Diaz and Taller Salud Executive Director Tania Rosario Mendez on Monday, September 26th for an important donor briefing about the impact of Hurricane Fiona on Puerto Rico. Learn about the Fiona Community Response Fund and how you can help provide critical aid and resources to communities that need it most.

Hurricane Fiona made landfall along the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico on Sunday, September 18th. The storm caused catastrophic flooding resulting in the majority of the island’s population being without clean water and an island-wide power outage. There are no clear timelines for when resources will be restored.

The Fiona Community Response Fund has a goal of raising $10 million to support the immediate humanitarian needs on the ground, as well as the long-term power building work to advance structural change and equitable recovery.

Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocu6rpjopGtw-n8oHAy-fV32dhmOE0Gm1