MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (November 19, 2002) -- Minnesota's nationally recognized arts philanthropy tradition is facing some serious new challenges at the start of the 2000s, according to a new report by the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a membership association for philanthropy. The report marks the first comprehensive, qualitative research ever conducted by the Council, which has published quantitative research on Minnesota grantmaking for more than 20 years.

Based on personal interviews with Minnesota's largest private arts funders and a survey of arts nonprofits, the report examines the issues that both grantmakers and grantseekers believe are most critical for the future health and vitality of Minnesota's arts, culture and humanities. Key issues covered in the report include the potential negative impact of Minnesota's current record level of arts capital and endowment fund-raising campaigns; the economic recession's toll on many arts grantmaking programs; a need to strengthen the internal capacity of arts organizations; and a potential loss of strong individual donor leadership in Minnesota.

The report also identifies the major perceived gaps in Minnesota's arts support. Arts funders and nonprofits believe that the most serious funding gaps are for dance, small and new arts groups, Greater Minnesota organizations, general operating grants, and support from corporations.

"We hope this report will help those who care about the arts in Minnesota to gain a better understanding of how arts grantmakers and grantseekers view the current funding environment," said Council president Bill King. "We plan to use the report's findings to advance the dialogue on how to maintain the strength and vitality of Minnesota's nationally recognized arts and culture."

Copies of the report, "Minnesota Arts Funding: Observations and Reflections," are available for $30 from the Council (612/338-1989, info@mcf.org). The report also is available for download on the Council's Web site at www.mcf.org (select "Trends & Analysis").

Founded in 1969, the Minnesota Council on Foundations' mission is to strengthen and to increase participation in philanthropy. The Council is a regional membership association of grantmakers working to improve the vitality and health of our communities, with a broad and diverse membership that includes private foundations, community and other public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs.

CONTACT: David Biemesderfer, director of communications and external relations, 612/335-3597, dbiemesderfer@mcf.org.

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MORE INFORMATION:

• "Minnesota Arts Funding: Observations and Reflections" Report (PDF, 16 pages).

RELATED MCF RESOURCES:

• Arts Capital & Endowment Campaigns in Minnesota 2001 Report
  An analysis of capital & endowment fund-raising campaigns for the state's arts, cultural and humanities nonprofits.
    

• Minnesota Arts Grantmaking Fact Sheet (PDF).

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