Philanthropy & Public Trust

Did you know?
MCF was founded in 1969 in response to a need to affirm the public's trust in philanthropy. Learn more about the history here from Bill King, MCF president.

An MCF Leadership Initiative

Philanthropy in Minnesota has a history of being ethical and highly principled. This tradition is built on the shoulders of giving pioneers with names like Crosby, Dayton and Hill.

To ensure that this value of principled work is carried into the future, Minnesota Council on Foundations has developed two guiding documents to assist foundations in the field in conducting their work properly and ethically.

The two cornerstones of MCF's Philanthropy & Public Trust work are:

• The Principles for Grantmakers, and;
• The Practice Options for Philanthropic Organizations

More Philanthropy & Public Trust Resources:

• What Every Grantmaker Should Know & Legal FAQs

Principles for Minnesota Grantmakers and Membership

Although MCF encourages all grantmakers to follow the guidelines set forth in these documents, subscribing to the Principles for Grantmakers is required only for MCF members. Subscribing to the Principles is an essential part of MCF's commitment to public trust and accountability.

Many MCF members who subscribe to the Principles proudly display the MCF Principles for Grantmakers badge on the organization's website:

Handshake Photo CC Mushin Schilling