08/24/2026
A letter from the Executive Dirctor:
Today marks six months as Executive Director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, and I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the people, partnerships, and experiences that have shaped this journey so far.
In just half a year, I’ve had the privilege to:
* Participate in 9+ committees that help strengthen our community
* Serve as a judge at the 2026 Inspired Journey Summit with Eden Prairie Schools
* Help facilitate our EP Gives Gala with cochairs Tina Palmer & Mary Mackmiller
* Administer $132,000 in grant payments and $20,000+ in scholarship payments to support local nonprofits, students, and families
*Attend ribbon cuttings and events with the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce
*Spearheaded the foundation's new Sports Scholarship Program (thanks to Scheels)
*Meet the dedicated servants of the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club
*Complete numerous nonprofit site visits to see community impact firsthand (CHOICE, Inc. Every Meal, YMCA of the North PROP - People Reaching Out to People & More)
*Connect 1:1 with community leaders and donors
*Co‑found Coffee, Causes & Conversations with Alyssa Golob of Helping Paws, Inc., a new networking space for local nonprofits
*Tackle Neon One CRM and learn from Givemn through the Individual Giving Intensive
*Present on workplace wellness at a leadership conference with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
*Partner with Eden Prairie Lifestyle & Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN) on many promotional & informational articles regarding the foundation
* Wrote Committee Volunteer Position Descriptions & developed a volunteer recruitment plan
*Partner with our board on the 2026–2029 strategic plan
*File nonprofit tax docs (yes, it counts!)
*Joined Monday Pickleball with my Eden Prairie - City Government colleagues
*And one of my favorite moments: participating in PeopleFest! 2026 and helping create the community quilt pictured here in partnership with the foundation's DEI Committee, City of EP, EP Schools, and EP Residents.
This quilt means a lot to me. Each square represents the diversity of Eden Prairie; The cultures, stories, and identities that make our city vibrant. Together, the squares form something stronger and more beautiful, just like our community. The work of building a supportive, connected Eden Prairie happens square by square, and I’m honored to be one of the threads holding it all together.
Six months in, I’m energized for what’s ahead. If we haven’t met yet, please reach out, I’m still growing my circle in Eden Prairie, and I’d love to connect.
Here’s to collaboration, curiosity, and community. 💚
- Emily
