Minnesota Grantmakers Show Record Growth

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (May 21, 2001)  The number of foundations and corporate grantmakers in Minnesota grew at a record pace in the late 1990s, according to new figures compiled by the Minnesota Council on Foundations for its just-released "Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers 2001-2002." The Council's latest research also shows that the state's total grantmaking dollars and assets increased at healthy rates at the end of the decade.

Minnesota was home to 1,010 foundations and corporate giving programs in 1999, up from 871 such organizations in 1997 and the largest two-year increase ever recorded by the Council. "This growth bodes well for the long-term health of grantmaking in Minnesota," said Council president Bill King. "As these new organizations grow, there will be more philanthropic dollars available to help nonprofits achieve their missions."

The Council's research for the Guide shows that Minnesota's total foundation assets increased by 28 percent between 1997 and 1999 to more than $10.49 billion. The state's foundations and corporations gave more than $734.28 million to charity in 1999, a 20 percent increase from 1997.

The Guide provides nonprofits and the public with comprehensive, up-to-date information about Minnesota's growing list of grantmakers. This year's edition is the largest in the publication's 22-year history. "The Guide demonstrates the commitment of the state's grantmakers to be open about their work and effective partners with nonprofits," said King.

The data compiled for this year's Guide offer a "first look" at Minnesota's latest grantmaking size and trends. The Council will provide more detailed grantmaking numbers in fall 2001 with the release of its biannual Giving in Minnesota research report.

The "Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers 2001-2002" is available in print for $75 and on CD-ROM (to be released 6/15/01) for $150 (single computer) or $300 (networked). For more information and an order form, visit the Council's Web site at www.mcf.org (select "MCF Resources") or contact the Council at 612/338-1989, info@mcf.org.

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

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

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MORE INFORMATION

• Minnesota Grantmaking Facts (pdf)
• "Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers 2001-2002" Facts (pdf)

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