Our Advocacy Work

As Minnesota’s largest community foundation, we seek to leverage our resources, voice and power to shift conditions for our neighbors and drive lasting change.

At the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, we are committed to a more just Minnesota where all communities and people thrive. We inspire, advocate and invest — all toward advancing community visions. Our advocacy work is deeply informed by community partners and changemakers across our state.

Our Advocacy Agenda

Ensure Housing for All

Support systems change efforts to increase resources for housing solutions
Advance policies that reduce homelessness and increase access to affordable housing

Realize Our Democracy

Maintain Minnesota’s strong democratic systems and civic participation
Increase voter and census participation
Amplify community voice, champion local news, defend public media
Protect civil liberties of Minnesotans

Drive Inclusive Community & Economic Development

Accelerate inclusive development in downtown Saint Paul
Support statewide efforts to increase resources for inclusive development
Participate in efforts to maintain and grow public benefits
Support public safety efforts for targeted communities

Strengthen Our Changemaking Ecosystem

Advance solutions that respond to the current cashflow, workforce and other challenges facing Minnesota’s changemakers
Protect the integrity of nonprofits while dismantling the harmful effects of misinformation

Philanthropic Public Policy

Amplify MN State Share, a statewide campaign to educate and inform Minnesotans of the potential for charitable purposes during the incredible transfer of wealth taking place in our state
Educate and advocate to remove the current restriction on making qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) directly into donor advised funds (DAFs)
Educate and advocate for Minnesota’s nonprofit sector and the important role these organizations play across our communities