Minnesota Council on Foundations

10/10/2025

Public broadcasting matters. From city neighborhoods to small towns and tribal communities, it’s a vital source of news and programming that keeps Minnesotans informed, safe, and connected.

Recent cuts to federal funding have created a crisis, with 16 TV and radio stations statewide facing a combined shortfall of $17 million a year.

That’s why we are awarding a OneMPLS grant of $75,000 to Save the Signal Minnesota.

Led by Press Forward Minnesota, Save the Signal will provide emergency support to local stations impacted by federal funding cuts—a critical step to ensure the future of public media.

Want to pitch in? This fall, your donation to the OneMPLS Fund—in any amount—will support Save the Signal.

09/08/2025

08/20/2025

For our southwest Minnesota nonprofit partners:

Learn about Minnesota's NEW transfer of wealth toolkit from the Minnesota Council on Foundations in a free, interactive webinar on Wednesday, August 27, 1-2 p.m.

A historic transfer of wealth is underway in Minnesota, with an estimated $61 billion expected to change hands over the next 10 years. This presents a powerful opportunity for Minnesota's nonprofit and philanthropic sector to strengthen local giving and build sustainable support for future generations. As this wealth shifts from one generation to the next, the need for intentional, strategic conversations about place-based giving and philanthropy has never been greater.

Why You Should Attend:
💡 Get a guided walk-through of the toolkit’s contents with expert facilitators.
💡 Hear from peers who helped shape the materials, and learn from their experiences.
💡 Practice real-world conversations in a low-pressure setting.
💡 Ask questions and share your feedback in real time.

Register at https://mcf.org/events/building-future-empowering-nonprofits-and-funders-minnesotas-transfer-wealth-toolkit

06/27/2025

APPLY TO BE A PART OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS!

This year, we're excited to welcome both MCF members and community members to apply to join the MCF Board. This is an opportunity to build relationships across MCF’s diverse membership, express leadership and influence in the field of philanthropy, and gain personal and professional growth. From Program Manager to Executive Director, Administrative Assistant to COO, all are welcome to apply to join the MCF board.

Apply today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZS7WSMM
Learn more about the MCF Board: https://mcf.org/serve-mcf-board

01/08/2025

Big news! Today, we’re announcing the departure of Minnesota Council on Foundation’s President, Susie Brown. Susie joined MCF in April 2019, and in her time aimed to deliver thoughtful strategy and meaningful impact, for the organization, its members, and the community.

Susie won’t be far! She will officially transition out of her role at MCF and begin her new one at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation in late-February. She will be missed, and we’re excited to continue to work with her in a new capacity.

If you haven’t yet, please take time to read her letter where she shares her thoughts and gratitude. Read here: https://mcf.org/news/message-mcf-president-susie-brown

10/29/2024

We are extending our gratitude to our members and We Are Still Here MN (WASH-MN) facilitators, Marlena Miles and Dawi Westerman, who joined us on a powerful and impactful two-day tour of Southwestern Minnesota, where we explored Dakota history and culture.

During the tour, Dakota elder Norman Kitto shared the most important power any person possesses - the power we gain from aligning our hearts and our minds. In reflection of this lesson, we want to share that power is especially meaningful for anyone working in a mission-based institution. Our organizations are most impactful when we align our heads (i.e., programs and grantmaking) with our hearts (i.e., mission and values). We aspire to embody this lesson throughout our work at MCF.

10/24/2024

It's been two weeks since the 2024 MCN & MCF Joint Annual Conference, and our staff are still buzzing on about what we've learned and who we've met and/or reconnected with.

We're so thankful to everyone who attended and contributed to the excitement and importance of the nonprofit and philanthropic communities coming together. We hope to see you again soon!

10/10/2024

Today’s the day! We’re at our 2024 Joint Annual Conference and sharing nonpartisan voter resources for foundations, nonprofits and individuals.

Come learn what your organization can do to promote voting, grab resources, and take a pic!

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

10/02/2024

✨🐝 Thank you 2024 Joint Annual Conference sponsors! 🦋✨

We're officially 8 days away from our SOLD OUT 2024 Joint Annual Conference with Minnesota Council of Nonprofits! We're so grateful to our sponsors for contributing to the magic of our philanthropic and nonprofit communities convening and cross-pollinating next week.

We can't wait to buzz with you all in 8 days!

🦋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 PA, Abdo, and Engage Print

09/10/2024

Shoutout to our Sustainer Sponsors – Old National Bank, Bremer Bank, Target, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation – for the upcoming magic happening at our sold out 2024 Joint Annual Conference with Minnesota Council of Nonprofits!

We're so grateful to these sponsors who are helping us connect, engage, and cross-pollinate with both our philanthropic and nonprofit communities and colleagues on Oct. 10-11. We can't wait to buzz with you all! 🐝

08/29/2024

2023 was a year of connecting and gathering. When philanthropy comes together, good things happen: knowledge is shared; funding is aligned; practices are streamlined; bridges are built. Read our 2023 annual report 👉 https://mcf.org/news/mcf-2023-annual-report

08/20/2024

🗣️ Don’t let FOMO get the best of you—foundations and grantmaking nonprofits, secure YOUR spot today with our Buy 3, Get 1 Free group rate!

We're two months away till we join our philanthropic and nonprofit colleagues and peers at the 2024 Joint Annual Conference on October 10-11, 2024. At this year’s conference, we’re focusing on the theme of Mosaic: Meaningful Collaboration in a Complex World.

If you're a non-grantmaking nonprofit, business, or individual, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits has an early bird rate that you can take advantage of.

🦋 Register today: https://mcf.org/2024conference
🌷 See who you'll miss: https://www.mnjointconference.org/conference-attendees
🐝 Learn more about MCN's early bird rate: https://www.mnjointconference.org/information
🪻Learn more about the conference: https://www.mnjointconference.org/