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MCF has over 170 grantmaker members. Read about the unique benefits of joining MCF.

Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) works actively to expand and strengthen a vibrant community of diverse grantmakers who individually and collectively advance the common good. MCF members represent three-quarters of all grantmaking in the state, awarding almost $1 billion annually. Members include private family and independent foundations, community and other public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs.

MCF is:

  • An advocate for giving, promoting ethical and responsible charitable giving
  • A resource for grantmaking, creating and sharing information for and about grantmakers
  • A catalyst for philanthropy, sparking connections, networks and knowledge for effective grantmaking

Vision
By 2020, the Minnesota Council on Foundations will comprise a large and diverse membership, inclusive of traditional, new, and evolving philanthropic entities that reflect our state's changing communities. MCF members will customize their experience and use of MCF's highly valued services through technology and in-person interactions. Members will actively engage in self-organized networks to further learning, action, and social change and to create new models for effective philanthropy, with MCF playing a spectrum of roles from leader to convener to participant.

MCF will be widely recognized for leadership in preparing our members to be effective in an increasingly diverse society. MCF will catalyze philanthropy's voices on key public policy issues that advance a more prosperous, inclusive and equitable Minnesota.

Mission
MCF expands and strengthens a vibrant community of diverse grantmakers who individually and collectively advance the common good.

Core Values
The Council is guided by four core values:

  • Leadership
  • Connectivity
  • Inclusivity
  • Integrity

More About MCF:

The Minnesota Council on Foundations is a member of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, a network of regional associations of grantmakers across the country.

Would You Like to Learn About Membership?

Learn about eligibility and the many benefits of MCF membership.

Would You Like to Associate Your Brand With Ours?

If you want to reach nonprofits and grantmakers, associating your brand with ours is an excellent investment. Learn more about advertising and sponsorship opportunities with MCF.

Commentary: Making Evaluation Meaningful and Useful

By Michael Quinn Patton For 40 years, evaluators have appraised evaluation done by forward-looking foundations, nonprofits and government units and conducted a...

Continual Learning Through Intention and Evaluation

Colleen O’Keefe, executive director, Sauer Children’s Renew Foundation The Sauer Children’s Renew Foundation is a small family foundation with a mission ...

Evaluation Is Worthwhile Only If It Is Used

Neal Cuthbert, vice president of program, The McKnight Foundation The McKnight Foundation’s primary commitment is to support the people, places and possibili...

Gauging Impact and Using Feedback: A Conversation with Program Officers

MCF hosted a conversation about grant and grantee evaluation with program officers from member foundations. In this article, you'll find their comments on how t...

Connecting Investment With Impact

Brian Paulson, director, innovation strategies, Greater Twin Cities United Way  “I have been struck again and again by how important measurement is to impro...