Independent Foundations

Did you know?
Independent foundations are the most common type of private foundation. They are generally founded by an individual, a family or a group with a shared interest.

On this page staff and trustees of private independent foundations will find special programming, research, news and resources created and carefuly curated to help enhance and support the grantmaking that you do.

Interested in exploring the benefits of membership? You can read about the services MCF has to offer private independent foundations (PDF).

View our Member Roster to see a complete list of our private independent 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.
• Networks for Independent Foundation Members
  MCF offers a variety of networks around staff roles and funding interests that offer opportunities for staff and trustees of independent foundations to engage with fellow grantmakers. Members can view a complete list of networks on the networks page.*
• Top 25 Minnesota Private Foundations (PDF)
  Minnesota's largest private foundations ranked by grants and program-related investments.
• Accountability Self-Assessment Tools for Private Foundations
• Legal FAQ: Private Foundation Self-Dealing
• What Every Grantmaker Should Know: Private Foundation Self-Dealing

Stephanie Jacobs
director of member services

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

Photo at Top of Page CC Neurmadic