What is a community foundation? The truth is no two community foundations are alike, because no two communities are exactly the same.

The role of a community foundation is to meet the specific and unique needs of the places and people they serve. Community foundations bring together the financial resources of families, individuals and organizations who care about a specific place and then invest those resources in that community and the people who live there.

At the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, we are committed to investing in Minnesota, in creating an equitable, just and vibrant state where all communities and people thrive.

How does a community foundation work? How you interact with a community foundation may look very different depending on the role you play in your community. Many donors and their families choose to partner with a community foundation to fulfill their charitable giving goals. Our local, experienced team will work with you and your advisors to create a personalized giving plan that amplifies your impact on your favorite causes. We accept and process donations in many forms, including assets such as real estate and business interests that nonprofits can't always accept on their own. We also offer a popular giving tool called a donor advised fund. Donors make gifts to the Foundation, receive a tax deduction the year that gift is made and then, with their families, they can recommend grants from that fund to their favorite nonprofit organization for years to come.

If you're a professional advisor, you want to provide the best, tax-smart options to meet your clients' needs, including their charitable giving goals. You know your clients and we know the community. Together we can map out the best plan for your clients to realize their charitable goals and plan for their future.

If you represent a nonprofit, the Foundation offers a variety of grant opportunities and capacity building resources for organizations serving Minnesota. Our team also provides professional management of endowment funds and other long-term assets to ensure the longevity of your organization. If you're a community leader, we partner with organizations across sectors and across the state to drive sweeping change in racial equity, housing, education and many other pressing issues. Together we can maximize our impact.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation — where giving grows. Learn more about how your gifts can transform your community and make Minnesota better for all who call it home.