AWelcomingOasis
Caroline Mehlhop, the director of events and sponsorships for Como Friends, shares how they help Como Park Zoo and Conservatory thrive and grow.
“ 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.
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2024: A Year of Partnership and Innovation
In 2024 we worked closely with various community partners such as nonprofit organizations, fundholders and fellow foundations to continue envisioning an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive.
View Our 2024 Year In Review
Foundations Announce $10.3 Million in 2024 Second-Round Community Grants
Grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.
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Sara Ochs: Bridging Theater and Music in a New Artistic Journey
Sara Ochs is a multidisciplinary theater artist and songwriter. With support from Art in This Present Moment, Sara will be exploring her talents as a songwriter, writing new music and potentially a one woman play.
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Staging Community: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Local Theater
Learn how you can go from audience to advocate by supporting organizations like Exposed Brick Theatre.
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Mother and Son Duet Bridges the Gap Between Old and New
Mothers often have close relationships with their sons, but in the case of Maria Biagetti Cortez and Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, that bond is deeply immersed in their culture and music.
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2024 Bush Prize: Minnesota Winners
Congratulations to these Minnesota nonprofit organizations recognized for their strong histories of innovation and community problem solving.
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Engaging Communities for Change Through Grantmaking
Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is partnering with nonprofits, donors and anti-racism advocates to make a better Minnesota in this video with President and CEO Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D.
Hear from Dr. Jolly
Songs of Connection: Conductor Strives to Desegregate the Choral Community
Music is a universal language, and no one knows that more than Ahmed Fernando Anzaldúa El Samkary.
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