SHAPING OUR COMMUNITY. FOR GOOD.
Mankato Area Foundation
Since 1974, the Mankato Area Foundation has been dedicated to building a community that believes in the strength of giving. Today, we continue to shape Greater Mankato by connecting acts of giving with community needs. As a permanent, trusted resource, donors look to MAF for the expertise needed to make their charitable giving more effective, impacting lives now and for generations to come.
RECOGNIZING THE WORK WE DO TOGETHER
MAF Makes Mankato Greater
The Mankato Area Foundation is honored to be featured on the April 2026 Minnesota Valley Business Magazine cover, with several stories highlighting–and recognizing–the work we do together in our community.
"What's key to the Mankato area's comprehensive appeal? Mankato Area Foundation leads that charge, dispersing 701 grants totaling over $4.2 million, as reported in MAF's 2025 Philanthropy Review. Those grants supported nonprofit organizations in numerous categories, with the largest chunks (in amounts ranging from $400,000-$800,000) broadly serving children/youth, food insecurity, health and human services, scholarships, arts, culture and humanities, faith-based initiatives and general community benefit."
-Minnesota Valley Business Magazine, April 2026
Read more about our work and the partners who make it possible in the April 2026 issue of Minnesota Valley Business Magazine.

GIVING IN ACTION
Philanthropy Review 2025
In this edition of the Philanthropy Review, you'll notice a lot of action words: strengthen, energize, transform, honor. Because when people like you choose to act with generosity and intention, incredible things happen. Behind every story and every gift is someone who chose to do something meaningful.
News & Press
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07
Apr
Minnesota Valley Business Magazine: “MAF Makes Mankato Greater”
Read moreFrom tackling food insecurity to supporting the arts, area philanthropy thrives.
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06
Apr
Giving back: Area philanthropy thrives
Read moreFrom tackling food insecurity to supporting the arts, area philanthropy thrives.
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28
Mar
How a Community Foundation Works
Read moreIn this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors sits down with Nancy Zallek of the Mankato Area Foundation to unpack what community foundations actually
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20
Feb
Building Connection Through Learning: A Partnership Between VINE, CILC, and the Mankato Area Foundation
Read moreWith support from the Mankato Area Foundation, VINE and CILC partnered to invest in interactive learning that builds curiosity, connection, and continuity over time.








