Family Foundations

Did you know?
Family foundations are private foundations whose grantmaking is directed primarily by the founder and/or founder's family. Family philanthropy lets donors incorporate their own values into their giving. Learn more.

Family foundations -- from very small, trustee-led organizations to some of the largest grantmakers in the state -- are MCF's largest member group.

The following information and resources provide those engaged in family philanthropy with the latest thinking about strengthening family values through engaged giving, as well as about creating a meaningful difference in the communities they support.

If you're interested in exploring the benefits of MCF membership, read about our specific services for family foundations (PDF). View our Member Roster to see a complete list of our family foundation members.

MCF Resources

• Effective Grantmaking Series
  Covering a full range of hot topics -- from financial how-tos, to strategic philanthropy, to determining impact with evaluative thinking, and collaboration dos and don’ts.
• MCF Program Resources
  Available exclusively to MCF members, catch up on resources from conferences and other MCF events held for family foundations.
• Non-Family Foundation Professionals (NFFP) Network
  The MCF-member-only network is exclusively for staff members of family foundations who are not members of the donor's family. Non-family foundation professionals discuss issues in a private online forum and meet to exchange ideas about working in this unique context. In addition to the NFFP Network, MCF faciltates other networks of interest to family foundation trustees and staff, such as those focusing on funding interests and job roles. Members can learn more on the MCF Networks page.
• Philanthropy Potluck Blog: Posts Featuring Family Foundations
  Updated regularly, MCF's Philanthropy Potluck Blog frequently shares the giving stories of family foundations in the state.
• National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) FP Online and Teleconferences
  MCF partners with NCFP to offer members exclusive access to NCFP's Family Philanthropy Online Knowledge Center (FP Online) and monthly teleconferences. MCF members can learn more and access FP Online, or view upcoming teleconferences.
• Top 25 Minnesota Private Foundations (PDF)
  View the latest list of Minnesota's largest private family and independent foundations ranked by grants paid.
• Giving Forum: Family Philanthropy - Deepening Connections, Building Legacies, Strengthening Values
  Explore family philanthropy and how it deepens connections, builds legacies, and strengthens shared values of Minnesota families. This edition of MCF's quarterly newspaper features interviews with family foundation trustees and staff.

More Resources

• Council on Foundations (COF) Family Philanthropy
  COF offers publications, resources and development opportunities to family foundation staff and trustees.
• Association of Small Foundations (ASF)
  A membership organization of foundations with few or no staff, ASF offers resources to help small foundations accomplish more.

Stephanie Jacobs
director of member services

Family foundation members looking for resources or wanting to connect with fellow trustees and staff are invited to contact Stephanie.

Photo at Top of Page CC Sam Pullara