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.
Immigrant & Refugee Support
As Minnesotans, we share something powerful: a deep belief that we care for our neighbors, a love for community, and a commitment to making sure every person belongs. This includes creating safe space for immigrant communities.
When any community's civic and civil rights are challenged, it impacts us all. The presence of immigrants has improved how our state learns, lives and governs. So today and every day, we stand together to support all members of our community — across cultures, identities and experiences.
As you look to show support to immigrant communities and neighbors in this time of civic unrest and injustice, here are a few steps you can consider.
What Can You Do?
- Contact your member of Congress
- Donate time to your local immigrant and refugee networks & support your neighbors
- Share resources
Contact Your Member of Congress
The most effective advocacy happens when people band together. If you care about these issues, contact a member of Congress or other elected officials to share your concerns.
Elected Officials
Local – Mayor, City Council
State – Governors, State & Territorial Legislators
Federal – President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative
Volunteer & Connect with Your Neighbors
Support local agencies and organizations in Minnesota by volunteering your time and talents.
Sometimes the biggest support comes in the form of a welcoming conversation and a smile. Get to know your neighbors regardless of race or nationality. Establish relationships, get to know their families, so that you can be of support to each other in times of crisis or need.
Minnesota Immigrant/Refugee Organizations Working on Response
Here’s a list of organizations providing support to our immigrant and refugee neighbors.
Rapid response & constitutional observer networks
- CAIR-MN - playing multiple functions for Somali community response, including safety and legal resources, communications/narrative, etc.
- MONARCA - supported by Unidos MN
- Immigrant Defense Network - supported by COPAL
Legal resources
- The Immigration Hub - supported by Immigrant Law Center of MN
- Advocates for Human Rights (also part of The Hub)
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (also part of The Hub)
Somali/East African community-centered organizations
- Ayada Leads (one of the leads of Immigrant Defense Network)
- The Muslim Coalition – supported by ISAIAH
- Islamic Center of St. Cloud
- Awood Center - particularly organizing with East African workers - Twin Cities
- African Career Education and Resources (ACER) - Twin Cities
- Hooyo Hour Organization - particularly organizing with East African population - Saint Cloud
- Greater MN Workers Center - particularly organizing with East African workers - Saint Cloud
- Immigrant Development Center - particularly organizing with East African population - Fargo/Moorhead
Mutual aid / material supports to impacted families
Immigrant community media / narrative impact
Additional Greater Minnesota organizations
- Fe y Justicia - Saint Cloud/Central Minnesota
- Minnesota Seeds of Justice - Worthington
- Community Connect Center (formerly South Sudanese Foundation) - Fargo/Moorhead
- ESHARA (Ethnic Self-Help Alliance for Refugee Assistance) - Fargo/Moorhead
- CASA - Moorhead
- Mi Casa - Shakopee/Chaska area
- Global Friends Coalition – Grand Forks/East Grand Forks
Impacted community organizations
- Urban Village - working with the Karen community facing Temporary Protected Status loss
- MN8 - Southeast Asian-community focused
If you are a fundholder looking for more ways to support these causes and organizations, contact your philanthropic advisor.
More Stories
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
Three Minnesota Foundations Launch ‘Our Home State’ Initiative with $20 Million Commitment
The initiative, focused on expanding housing stability and catalyzing local housing solutions, includes Ecolab as an early funder.
See the News
Faith in Action: ISAIAH’s Blueprint for a Multicultural Democracy
A multiracial, multi-faith coalition empowers Minnesotans to shape their communities and secure lasting change.
Watch the video
Meeting the Moment: How the Foundation Expanded Community Support in a Critical Year
A one-time, twenty percent increase in dollars granted reflects the Foundation’s commitment to community-driven solutions, urgent needs and long-term equity.
See the impact
Leading a Path Forward: How Queen Drea Uses Music to Find Her Roots
Sound alchemist Queen Drea seeks reconnection with her family’s heritage through music and storytelling.
See the project