Skip to main content

Caroline Mehlhop, the director of events and sponsorships for Como Friends, shares how they help Como Park Zoo and Conservatory thrive and grow.

video poster

“We want to be that welcoming oasis in the backyard of our community.

Caroline Mehlhop

Como Friends, the nonprofit partner of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, raises funds for Como's animal habitats, gardens and education programs, and to keep Como open 365 days a year. The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation gave Como Friends its first operating grant.

More Stories

Rochelle Lame Bull Molds Her Own Path as a Fourth-Generation Potter

Rochelle Lame Bull carries on her family traditions and imbues cultural significance through her pottery.

See the project

2025: Bold Change, Bigger Impact

2025 ignited transformation — new strategies, grant and investment opportunities and a dynamic, new President & CEO, Chanda Smith Baker.

View Our 2025 Year In Review

Future Moves: Kealoha Ferreira Explores Lineage through Dance

Ananya Dance Theatre opened Kealoha to a world of dance and movement beyond Western techniques, which has helped her connect deeply to her own traditional practices.

See the project

Standing Together: How to Support Minnesota's Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors

These organizations work every day to support all members of our community — across cultures, identities and experiences.

How You Can Help

The Landscape of Minnesota: A State of the State

A webinar in partnership with the Center for Rural Policy and Development shared rural Minnesota trends, community impact and what we can do to build a thriving state.

Watch the recording

Singing for Justice: Waigwa Leads Choir in Lifting Voices and Community

Choral director Waigwa aims to bring the human experience to the concert stage.

See the project

Empowering Change in the Next Generation of Asian Leaders

Minnesota nonprofit Future of Us is helping Asian American Pacific Islander youth find their voices and become agents of change.

See the impact

Women of Faith in Philanthropy — Legacy, Leadership and the Future

A panel event showcased how women of faith are poised to shape and enrich the philanthropic landscape, as they have for generations.

See the impact

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field