Community Initiatives
In addition to our grantmaking, we take an active role in many community initiatives that make the East Metro and Minnesota better for all who call them home.
We partner with organizations spanning various sectors to lead on sweeping change across the state and respond to emerging needs. Our role varies in each initiative, ranging from fiscal sponsorship and administrative support to staffing and strategic leadership. Below is a partial list of our current and past initiatives.
Current Initiatives
The Coalition for Inclusive Communities learning network aims to advance equity in the workplace and build community cohesion while serving as an interactive learning lab for participants.
This Saint Paul pilot program was designed by and for the community to help families send their children to educational opportunities after high school, by establishing college savings accounts for every child born in Saint Paul.
The Community Sharing Fund partners with more than 100 community organizations to identify and provide small emergency grants to families and individuals facing short-term financial setbacks.
Our East Metro Main Street Economic Revitalization Program supports businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Snelling-University-Rice Cultural District, the East Side community and along West Seventh Street.
This collaborative is focused on increasing economic vitality for residents on the East Side of Saint Paul, particularly the Dayton’s Bluff and Payne-Phalen neighborhoods.
GroundBreak Coalition is a group of corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders committed to demonstrating that with enough resources, a racially equitable and carbon-neutral future is possible now.
The Heading Home Minnesota collaborative is a member organization comprised of grantmakers and intermediaries committed to working together to prevent and end homelessness in Minnesota.
ConnectedMN is a public-private partnership to ensure students from high-need and underserved communities have the tools and support they need to participate in digital learning, including tech devices and internet access.
This pilot program by the City of Saint Paul will provide up to 150 Saint Paul families with $500 per month in guaranteed income for a period of up to 18 months.
As part of our support for criminal justice reform, this fund supports Ramsey County’s initiative to reduce non-public safety-related traffic stops.
This collaboration of more than 20 members of Minnesota’s philanthropic community provides leadership and funding for research, program development, public policy and grantmaking to improve early childhood efforts in Minnesota.
This fund invests in systems change initiatives and grants to organizations providing culturally-specific support of Saint Paul families.
Community Leadership Fund
Community initiatives connect to our purpose of inspiring generosity, advocating for equity and investing in community-led solutions. Our leadership team makes it a priority to participate in broader initiatives like the ones above, as well as others, to invest our time in meaningful dialogue and collaborations.
If you’re interested in supporting this type of work with the Foundation, please consider a donation to our Community Leadership Fund.
Email our Philanthropic Services team to learn more.
