The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) in partnership with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation (the Foundation) today announced the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) for coronavirus. Currently funded at nearly $4.4 million by contributions from foundations across Minnesota, the MDRF will provide grants to local community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, and other intermediaries who have the knowledge to address specific needs in their communities, as well as the ability to be nimble and responsive in times of emerging needs.

First funders of the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for coronavirus include Ameriprise Financial Foundation, Best Buy Foundation, Better Way Foundation, Blandin Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, Bush Foundation, Cargill Foundation, Carlson Family Foundation, Charlston Foundation, Catholic Community Foundation, F. R. Bigelow Foundation, GHR Foundation, John Larsen Foundation, Land O'Lakes Foundation, Mardag Foundation, Medtronic Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation, Pohlad Family Foundation, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Stiles Foundation, Target Foundation, TCF Bank Foundation, The Margaret A. Cargill Fund at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, The Otto Bremer Trust, Thrivent Foundation, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, Woodbury Community Foundation and Wells Fargo Foundation.

An advisory committee responsible for awarding the grants is convened by the Minnesota Council on Foundations and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and includes leaders from Blandin Foundation, Bush Foundation, Duluth/Superior Area Community Foundation, Headwaters Foundation for Justice, Medtronic Foundation, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Office of Governor Tim Walz, Southwest Initiative Foundation, The Minneapolis Foundation and Willmar Area Community Foundation/Community Giving.

“As we work to mobilize the philanthropic community in Minnesota to meet the immense needs growing out of the pandemic, we seek to deliver a high-impact, coordinated response. We recognize and support the many other efforts underway to help during this challenging time and will do our best to coordinate with them to provide the most strategic response,” said Susie Brown, MCF President.

“In times of need, the generosity of Minnesotans can be counted on to support community-led solutions for those who are vulnerable and at-risk in our state,” said Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Foundation. “As Minnesotans face risks associated with the coronavirus, that generosity will again be deployed through the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund. We are proud to play a contributing role with the Minnesota Council on Foundations in the fund and in continuing Minnesota’s legacy of giving, especially during this challenging time.”

One hundred percent of the funds raised will be used to support community recovery; no fees will be taken by either the Foundation or the MCF for this work. Any remaining MDRF funds will be dedicated to recovery efforts for future disasters in Minnesota, after coronavirus needs are met.

Learn More

Interested philanthropic entities can donate directly to the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund by contacting Susie Brown at 612.335.3557 or sbrown@mcf.org.