Mankato Area Foundation

05/28/2026

05/20/2026

It’s been a busy couple of weeks… in the best way possible! Here’s a glimpse into some of what we've been up to:

• Learned more about the role South Central College plays in our community as a whole and in workforce development
• Heard about the wide range of support CADA, Inc. provides across our communities during their open house
• Connected around local and state efforts to support nonprofits during a Greater Mankato Advocacy and Community Together meeting
• Got a closer look at the Mayo Clinic Health System – Eastridge Harvest Hub during a regional Food Access Network meeting, just one example of broader regional food rescue efforts that redirect fresh produce into community refrigerators, free for anyone who needs it

Oh, and we also took a moment to welcome a sculpture we're sponsoring on the CityArt Mankato Sculpture Walk. (Be sure to check out all the newly installed sculptures... they are "ear-isistable"!)

05/13/2026

During today’s Nonprofit Networking meeting, we helped local nonprofits update their listings in the Nonprofit Directory and shared how the Directory is used across the community – with donors, academic institutions, businesses, and others who want to support our region.

Just as important, nonprofits showed up for each other too, sharing upcoming events, ideas, and volunteer opportunities. At one point, a local food shelf asked if anyone could use a box full of brand-new baby bottles, and they quickly found a home with another nonprofit serving newborns.

Whether it’s online or in person, we love being a connector in our community! Explore possible connections here: mankato.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/directory

05/06/2026

As you’re out and about, we invite you to take a moment to view the Marian Anderson Rotating Art Exhibit to get a little glimpse of how her work reflects our region.

This exhibit celebrates art, community, and legacy through a rotating selection of Marian’s artwork displayed at local businesses and nonprofits across the Greater Mankato area.

Check out the current participating locations in Mankato:
- BankVista
- Community Bank Mankato Area
- Greater Mankato Growth
- MY Place / Mankato Youth Place Inc
- and, Blue Earth County Historical Society, which features a permanent exhibit

04/30/2026

Sometimes the best recognition comes from someone else putting the work into words. The April 2026 issue of "Minnesota Valley Business Magazine" does just that by featuring the Mankato Area Foundation on its cover and recognizing the role philanthropy plays in strengthening our region.

As the magazine writes: “Mankato Area Foundation leads that charge, dispersing 701 grants totaling over $4.2 million… supporting nonprofit organizations across children and youth, food insecurity, health and human services, scholarships, arts and culture, faith based initiatives, and overall community benefit.”

While we’re honored by the spotlight, we’re even more grateful for what it reflects—the collective work of donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders. Mankato is greater because of all of you and we can’t wait to see the impact we’ll continue to make together. Thank you!|

Read the full issue here: qrco.de/MAF-Makes-Mankato-Greater

04/29/2026

Housing needs exist year-round, as does the work to support stability in our community.

This week, MAF was grateful to play a small role in advancing that work through an advisory committee that helped move summer shelter funding forward, and through a donor advised fund that helped bring people together to listen, learn, and share perspectives on housing in Greater Mankato.

Learn more about local nonprofits helping families find stability and hope: qrco.de/Housing-Safety-Support