Giving Opportunities
Minnesotans are generous. You step up to help when there’s a crisis, and you care deeply about building the long-term health of our state. Through our statewide community foundation, you can mobilize your generosity alongside thousands of others.
Our immediate giving options include ways to respond to urgent challenges, make strategic program investments and drive long‑term systems change. Explore ways to give now.
Rapid Response Fund
The Rapid Response Fund is a dynamic, flexible resource designed to support Minnesota communities in moments of heightened civic, environmental, social challenge and opportunity. This responsive fund moves quickly and creatively, directing resources where they are needed most so communities can respond, adapt and thrive.
Today, the Rapid Response Fund is focused on fueling community-led response and business recovery in the face of the disruptions created by the federal presence in Minnesota. By supporting locally rooted solutions, we help strengthen resilience, spur equitable economic activity and reinforce the power of community in times of change.
Whether it's responding to urgent needs, enabling strategic recovery or activating opportunity, the Rapid Response Fund stands with Minnesota communities investing in what matters, when it matters most.
We are currently directing funds to organizations supporting immigrant and refugee communities harmed by the recent ICE surge in Minnesota.
Community Sharing Fund
The Community Sharing Fund provides emergency funding to individuals and families to cover rent, damage deposit, utility costs, medical expenses, childcare, transportation and other unexpected but critical needs.
The Fund partners with more than 100 community organizations to identify families and individuals facing short-term financial setbacks. A small grant from the fund can prevent a tailspin that results in unemployment or homelessness.
Since 1980, the Fund has made more than 45,000 grants. It is a unique way for you to have an immediate and direct impact that can stabilize a person’s life. Learn more about the Community Sharing Fund’s impact.
Community Leadership Fund
A strong democracy is built locally through trust, relationships and the ability of communities to shape the decisions that affect their lives. The Community Leadership Fund provides support to strengthen civic infrastructure by supporting our role as a convener and connector.
Through this Fund, we bring together residents, leaders and institutions to build bridges across difference, co-create community-led solutions and expand community influence in public life. These investments help communities meet emergent needs while building the collective power and shared understanding needed for long-term, inclusive change.
If you are a fundholder with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, log in to DonorView to make a grant directly from your fund.
Interested in Opening a Charitable Fund?
In addition to these giving options, we can partner with you to help determine the best type of gift for your ongoing charitable planning. When you open a fund with us, you join a powerful collective of donors making a positive impact in our communities.