Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund
THE FUND SUPPORTed COMMUNITY NEEDS AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.
The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) for coronavirus funded both short- and long-term needs that arose within communities as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. Fund contributions were directed to local community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations and intermediaries. Funds were then distributed by the community foundations or intermediaries.
Impact and Grants Awarded
The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) in partnership with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation awarded five grant rounds from the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) for coronavirus between March 2020 and August 2020. In total, the MDRF supported 92 intermediary organizations and awarded over $11.6 million.
Read more about each grant round:
Quick Facts About the Fund
Funds were distributed by community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations or intermediaries for needs that arose for individuals and families due to the impact of coronavirus. This may have included nonprofits seeing increased demand for services or struggling due to social distancing recommendations; and small businesses that have interrupted operations.
- 100% of fund contributions were distributed to grantmaking organizations for disaster recovery efforts in the state of Minnesota
- 99 grants were awarded to 92 community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations or other intermediaries that have an existing grantmaking process in place
- Intermediaries regranted to more than 1,700 nonprofits and 3,000 small businesses
- 44% of funding was granted to rural Minnesota and 56% to the Twin Cities
“ 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.”
Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Advisory Committee
The MDRF Advisory Committee was comprised of cross-sector community leaders from throughout the state of Minnesota with experience in disaster recovery and/or philanthropy. Members were charged with discernment of timely emerging disaster recovery needs, in addition to holding the authority for fund allocation recommendations.
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation representatives on the Advisory Committee included President & CEO Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D.; and Senior Director of Community Impact Carrie Jo Short.
View the press release announcing the Fund, which lists funders and the advisory committee members.