Grantmakers

Did you know?
Most grantmakers are foundations. A foundation is a nonprofit that supports charitable activities to serve the common good. Learn more.

Here you'll find an overview of MCF's resources, networks and learning opportunities for grantmakers.

Most information is accessible to all grantmakers; many programs and network opportunities, however, are member only.

View a list of our member grantmakers. Interested in seeing your name on that list? Check out the benefits of membership.

• Education and Professional Development
• Research and Information
• Communications
• Government Relations
• Leadership

Education and Professional Development

MCF offers exceptional programming that spans a wide array of skill levels, funding interests, and current topics in philanthropy. View upcoming program offerings on the Events Calendar.

For more informal peer-centered learning, MCF has many grantmaker networks across funding issues, staff roles and various interests.

MCF also now offers the opportunity for members to host member-initiated briefings on the topics they care about.

Research and Information

As the premier source on philanthropy in the state of Minnesota, MCF produces Giving in Minnesota, a comprehensive analysis of the trends and patterns of giving by organized philanthropy in the state; annual Grantmaker Rankings, which document the largest grantmakers in the state by grants paid, assets, and type; and the Outlook Report, forecasting grantmaker giving for the coming year.

In addition to conducting research, MCF publishes resources around core competencies in philanthropy including:

• Diversity & Inclusivity in Philanthropy
• Philanthropy & Public Trust
• Public Policy

To see a full list of the multiple interest areas about which MCF collects and produces information, visit Grantmaker Resources.

Communications

MCF delivers the latest grantmaker information to your mailbox or inbox for free. MCF publishes Giving Forum, a quarterly newspaper on Minnesota grantmaking, and two biweekly e-newsletters, MCF Notes, for members only, and Giving Memo, for nonprofits and others interested in philanthropy.

Subscribe to these communications when you create or update your MCF profile and dashboard.

Government Relations

MCF has actively represented and advocated on behalf of Minnesota philanthropy since its inception in 1969. MCF monitors legislation that is important to the philanthropic community through direct contact with legislators and grassroots organizing. Government relations activities include:

• Foundations on the Hill, an annual opportunity for grantmakers to meet with their lawmakers in Washington, D.C., co-sponsored by the national Council on Foundations and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers
• Regular visits and contact with federal and state legislators

Read about MCF's Government Relations work and 2011 Legislative Priorities.

Leadership

MCF plays an important leadership role in the state and national philanthropic community, helping grantmakers become more effective. MCF's leadership initiatives include:

• Philanthropy & Public Trust, comprehensive resources to help private, corporate and community/public foundations understand their legal requirements and obligations.
• Diversity & Inclusivity in Philanthropy, a suite of resources including MCF's "Working Towards Diversity" benchmarking reports, the Diversity & Inclusion Action Kit, our groundbreaking Diversity Framework and more.
• Public Policy, resources to assist grantmakers in using publicy policy and advocacy to enhance impact.