Supporting Families to End
Multi-generational Poverty
Learn more about Northside Achievement Zone and their transformational work for families in North Minneapolis.
Sondra Samuels, president and CEO of Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), speaks about the impact recent events have had on the North Minneapolis community, and how NAZ has stepped up to help their community process their fear and anxiety through work that brings hope.
“At NAZ, we have a corny saying that we are hope dealers. You know that African proverb that says when you unite a spider web you can tie up a lion – and for us, we have been tying up a lion of hopelessness because we have each other. This crisis situation has given me a lot of hope, and it’s the families; they are not giving up,” says Sondra.
Keep the Stories Coming
Stay connected with stories about how people across the state of Minnesota are responding to This Present Moment with generosity, compassion, courage and creativity.
More Stories
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.
See the project
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.
Read More
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.
See the project
2024 Bush Prize: Minnesota Winners
Congratulations to these Minnesota nonprofit organizations recognized for their strong histories of innovation and community problem solving.
See the Winners
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.
See the project
Foundation Makes First Grant in Partnership with the Taylor Family Farms Foundation
Winona Health plans to expand its community health services to support seniors with a new grant.
Learn More
Investing in Our Democracy: Supporting Civic Engagement Nonprofits
The Foundation and our donors are learning from and supporting local organizations that put democracy into action.
View the Grants