CommunityGiving

06/01/2026

Reminder: Grant applications are still open!

There’s just one month left to apply for these grant opportunities, with applications due June 30th. These grants support impactful programs and projects working to strengthen communities across the region.

Learn more about each individual grant opportunity and apply today:
www.communitygiving.org/grants/

05/11/2026

We join the Central Minnesota Community Foundation in remembering and honoring the life of Jack Happe — a generous philanthropist, dedicated volunteer, and community leader whose impact will be felt for years to come.

Jack’s commitment to giving back helped strengthen not only Central Minnesota Community Foundation, but also the broader work of CommunityGiving and the many communities we serve together. Through his leadership, generosity, and belief in the power of philanthropy, he helped create meaningful change that will continue well into the future.

We are deeply grateful for the example he set and the legacy he leaves behind.

From growing up during the depression to becoming a philanthropic leader within Central Minnesota, Jack Happe has been building his legacy one charitable gift at a time. Watch the video […]

05/05/2026

We are excited to have Ceara on our team and look forward to the impact she will make in strengthening the Carver County community!

Please join us in welcoming Ceara Golden as the new Development Manager at Community Foundation for Carver County!

Ceara Golden joined the team in April 2026 as Development Manager, bringing a strong background in fundraising, donor engagement, and community impact. Her career has focused on building meaningful relationships and strengthening communities, with experience supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations across the Twin Cities and Chicago. Ceara holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Writing for Advancement in Nonprofits from DePaul University, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate Student for the School of Public Service. She also earned her BA in Film and Media from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Outside of work, Ceara enjoys paddle boarding, traveling, and spending time with her many nieces and nephews.

05/04/2026

Have a project or idea that could make a positive difference in your community? New grant opportunities are officially open for May, offering support for initiatives that strengthen and uplift our local communities. Each year, the number and impact of grants continue to grow thanks to the generosity of our donors, helping bring meaningful projects to life. We encourage organizations to explore upcoming opportunities, review eligibility requirements, and prepare to apply for funding that supports doing good where it matters most.

Visit www.communitygiving.org/grants to learn more and stay updated.

04/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for EmpowerCF 2026. This was our largest gathering yet, and it would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, dedicated staff, inspiring speakers and panelists, and every attendee who showed up ready to learn and connect. Together, we created meaningful conversations, actionable next steps, and memorable networking experiences that will continue to shape our work moving forward. We are grateful for your energy and commitment, and we are already looking forward to what we will build together next year!

04/15/2026

We are officially one week away from EmpowerCF 2026!

Have you checked out the full schedule and panels yet? Alongside our keynote speakers, we have an incredible lineup of sessions featuring leaders and peers from across the field, all ready to share insights, ideas, and practical strategies.

In 2025, we welcomed over 175 individuals representing 36 community foundations and 22 philanthropy partners. This year is shaping up to be just as impactful.

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to network, learn, and grow at the largest gathering of community foundation stakeholders in Minnesota.

Explore the full schedule and plan your experience: www.communitygiving.org/event/empowercf2026/

04/13/2026

Who's ready for EmpowerCF next week?

Following the conference, there is an additional education opportunity for you with CFLeads on Thursday, April 23rd from 2:00-5:00pm.

Participants in this session are eligible to receive a travel stipend from CFLeads. More information will be available upon registration.

Building Common Ground: Community Leadership in Action
Finding common ground to address issues that concern all Minnesotans—from fostering respectful civic engagement to ensuring rural belonging, addressing climate change, and building safe, welcoming and sustainable communities—looms over every challenge we currently face. As catalysts for community leadership, community foundations have concrete tools they can bring to this work, including connecting local priorities to broader frameworks for impact.

Drawing on innovative practices from Minnesota and beyond—including work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals—this interactive session will explore how to use these frameworks as toolkits for building common ground and addressing complex challenges. You’ll hear real examples, engage in peer discussion, and leave with actionable ideas you can adapt to your own context.

To register, go to: https://www.communitygiving.org/event/empowercf2026/

04/10/2026

A big thank you to all of our EmpowerCF 2026 sponsors.

Your support makes this conference possible. Because of you, we are able to bring together for this two day impactful event filled with learning sessions, networking and your investment in this work helps strengthen communities, spark new ideas, and support the continued growth and impact of community foundations across our region. We are grateful for your partnership and your commitment to making a difference.

Thank you for helping make EmpowerCF a success!

Blandin Foundation
Minnesota Council on Foundations
Lathrop GPM
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Initiative Foundation
U.S. Bank
akoyaGO
Brave North Technology
Woodbury Community Foundation
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

04/08/2026

A sincere thank you to one of our EmpowerCF 2026 sponsors, the Blandin Foundation.

Their mission is to connect, fund and advocate for ideas and people to inspire resourcefulness and move rural places forward. Their vision is for rural Minnesota places that welcome diversity, address injustice, and embrace change to create a sustainable and equitable future.

To learn more about EmpowerCF Annual Conference on April 22 & 23, visit our website at: