Join MCF

JoinWant to learn more about membership?
MCF president, Bill King, will be happy to answer your questions about becoming a member.

Be a Part of the Minnesota Council on Foundations

Founded in 1969, today the 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's more than 170 members represent three-quarters of all grantmaking in the state, awarding almost $1 billion to nonprofits annually. Members of our association include family and private independent foundations, community and other public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs.

Membership brings a range of benefits and services that will strengthen the work of your staff and trustees. From our ever-expanding variety of programs, to our vital professional networks and funder collaboratives, to our web-based tools, MCF membership can immediately improve how your organization fulfills its mission.

Benefits to board and staff of MCF-member organizations include:

  • Resources to enhance your impact. We help make your giving effective. Learn the latest methods that grantmakers like you use to maximize meaningful results.
  • Networks that plug you into the power of your peers. In person and online, we make it easy for you to meet and work with colleagues at other grantmaking organizations in your area.
  • Professional development to expand your knowledge. Take advantage of skill-building courses on grantmaking essentials, briefings on community issues and much more.
  • Visibility that highlights your philanthropy. We bring your organization's giving and community involvement stories to a wider audience with MCF news vehicles, local media coverage and more.
  • A strong voice to represent your interests. We provide a unified voice to strengthen and protect philanthropy, representing your interests with elected officials, the media, nonprofits and the general public.
  • Responsive, personalized service that meets your needs. We get to know you, your organization and its goals. You receive personalized attention from MCF staff members who live and work near you, and who are committed to helping you excel.
  • Member discounts on tools and resources that increase capacity and facilitate learning. Through partnerships, MCF offers its members opportunities to purchase software and services at a discounted rate.

Learn more about the benefits of MCF membership for:

Who's Eligible for Membership?
Membership in the Minnesota Council on Foundations is open to any family foundation, private independent foundation, community foundation, public foundation, corporate foundation or giving program, tribal philanthropy or public charity grantmaker. Membership dues are set on a sliding scale based on annual grants paid.

Principles for Minnesota Grantmakers
Our members recognize that they play an important role in their communities and that their role is sustained by the public trust. Therefore, they are committed to operating effective and ethical grantmaking programs guided by a set of common principles as they help to create positive change in the communities they serve.

Apply for Membership
To learn more or apply for membership in the Minnesota Council on Foundations, please contact Bill King, president.