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2020 presented many challenges, but also united our community in new ways.

Along with our community, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation navigated various unknowns this year, including a pandemic and civil unrest. In the face of these challenges, we also experienced unparalleled generosity from our donors and innovation from our staff as we responded quickly to meet the needs of our community by Inspiring Generosity, Advocating for Equity, and Investing in Community-led Solutions.

The Foundation Staff on 2020

Hear our staff reflect on the silver linings from this year.

Capturing This Present Moment

Throughout the year, President & CEO Eric J. Jolly, Ph.D., spoke with donors and community leaders across Minnesota to hear how they were serving their communities during these trying times.

Whether making masks, supporting students, connecting communities or expanding programs virtually, these conversations explore stories of resilience and innovation in the nonprofit sector.

Making Art in This Present Moment

Over 50 Minnesota artists responded in real-time to history as it unfolded by creating Art in This Present Moment. This series of grants supported artists of color who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.

Investing in Community-Led Solutions Through Grantmaking

We are honored to invest in and partner with the agents and agencies of change who are working daily to address our most pressing issues. In 2020 we and our partners granted more than $100 million to the community through our annual grantmaking, including $50 million in grants recommended by our donors. Along with our donors, we granted to 75 counties in Minnesota. Additionally, we changed our Building Community Capacity grant requirements to give nonprofits the flexibility to use grant dollars for any emerging need.

$101M

Granted

To communities by the Foundation and our partners

9,028

Grants Given

To organizations, initiatives and projects

Addressing Minnesota’s Pandemic Needs

The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for coronavirus funded both short and long-term needs in communities as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. Our donors generously contributed to this effort.

Keystone Community Services volunteers in the back of a mobile food pantry
Dr. Joi Lewis headshot

Advocating for Racial Justice and Rebuilding for the Future

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, we immediately made grants to support racial trauma healing. And in partnership with other local entities, the Twin Cities Rebuild for the Future Fund granted $2.5 million to nonprofits that had long-standing relationships with communities impacted by unrest following George Floyd’s murder.

Community Sharing Fund Marks 40 Years

This life-changing emergency grant program supports thousands of East Metro residents every year as they navigate financial setbacks. Hear from Program Manager Arbadella Williams and others how this unique fund has made a difference in the East Metro for 40 years.

Two students wearing backpacks in a library

Providing Students with Digital Access

Partnership for a ConnectedMN is a public-private partnership that is bringing tech devices and internet access to students across the state, especially communities most in need, including students who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color, students from low-income families, and students residing in rural Minnesota.

Transforming the Criminal Justice System

Along with The Minneapolis Foundation and Greater Twin Cities United Way, we announced a multi-year collaboration with the goal of driving transformational change in the criminal justice system, led by Huda Ahmed.

Huda Ahmed headshot

Donor Impact

DONORS RESPONDED TO THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES OF 2020 WITH GENEROSITY.

You, our donors, made record-breaking grants to the community in 2020. You maximized your giving, granting to causes you care about, including COVID-19 relief and racial equity after the tragic murder of George Floyd. Your efforts supported causes such as the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund, the Saint Paul Bridge Fund, the Community Sharing Fund and the Twin Cities Rebuild for the Future Fund, to name a few, as well as 2,361 nonprofit organizations in our communities.

We’re truly grateful for your continuous support, and we appreciate you.

$50M

DOLLARS GRANTED

to organizations through donor advised funds

5,971

NUMBER OF GRANTS

from donor advised funds

2,361

NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS

receiving grants through donor advised funds

“These are very different times that require different thinking. We've been fortunate enough to have this money, and we have an obligation to direct it. Obligations change when we have greater circumstances.”
- David, Foundation Donor

Read David’s story

"I have a hot button now, and it is around anti-racism.”
- Abby, Foundation Donor

Read Abby’s story

“It’s a great privilege to work with local organizations and focus on helping neighbors feel safe and happy in their homes.”
- Mya, Foundation Donor

Read Mya’s story

Honoring Anti-Racism Activists

The 2020 Facing Race Awards aired across the state on Twin Cities Public television and honored four Minnesota anti-racism activists who are striving for justice and working to make this state more equitable for all.

VALERIE CASTILE is the CEO and president of The Philando Castile Relief Foundation, which works to help victims who have been affected by gun and police violence. Valerie eliminates racism and its effects by educating the public — including community groups, youth, police and elected officials. And it’s all done in memory of her son, Philando.

RESMAA MENAKEM is a healer, author, therapist, self-described cultural trauma navigator, communal provocateur and coach. He has served in leadership positions at African American Family Services, the Wilder Foundation, as a certified Military and Family Life Consultant for the U.S. Armed Forces, as a trauma consultant in public schools and as a Cultural Somatics consultant for the Minneapolis Police Department.

ALEX MILES is a recent graduate from the Twin Cities Academy. He is one of the founding members of the Racial Justice Club — an organization he felt was essential to making sure all students felt safe and valued. This year, Alex expanded his efforts outside of the school by engaging with community resources and organizations, extending his reach and his message. And he has made a difference.

LESLIE REDMOND is the current president of the Minneapolis NAACP chapter, and the youngest president in the organization’s history. For the past three years, Leslie has worked with the chapter on elevating the Black community while pursuing a law degree and an MBA. She challenges the issues of mass incarceration, housing discrimination, health disparities and opportunity gaps for the poor and Black communities.

Supporting Families of Healthcare Workers Lost to COVID-19

Last year, the pandemic left none of us untouched. For our healthcare workers, it has taken a particularly tremendous toll — including the loss of life.

The Frontline Families Fund was established by Dr. Michael Osterholm to direct financial support and educational scholarships to the children of healthcare workers who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

More Stories

Ensuring a Legacy of Literacy

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How to Turn a Successful Year into Giving

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Continuing Collaboration in 2024

Learn how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is working with community partners and welcoming new staff in this video.

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Charitable Giving Trends We Anticipate for 2024

Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Services Jeremy Wells shares current charitable giving trends.

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What Is a Community Foundation?

Learn how a community foundation works and can help you achieve your charitable goals in this short video.

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How to Know if a Planned Gift is Right for You

Here’s what you should consider when making your long-term charitable giving plan.

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How to Make a Donor Advised Fund Part of Your Estate Plan

Here are answers to common questions on how to include a charitable giving fund in your estate plan.

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Top 5 Reasons to Partner with a Community Foundation

Here are five unique benefits of working with a community foundation to reach your charitable giving goals.

See the Five Benefits

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