Mankato, MN (September 2, 2020) — When the Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) purchased a building in the heart of Mankato, the vision was a nonprofit center – created to increase the capacity, collaboration, and effectiveness of the region’s nonprofit sector to support a healthy, vibrant Mankato-area community. Opened in late September of 2015, this initiative was the first of its kind in Minnesota.

Now in its fifth year, Shared Spaces – A Center for Nonprofit Collaboration continues to thrive as the home to the Mankato Area Foundation, Greater Mankato Area United Way, Greater Mankato Diversity Council, Life-Work Planning Center, and YWCA Mankato. Shared Spaces also functions as a hub for nonprofit activity – partnering with a vast number of regional organizations by providing free meeting space, technology resources, and hosting thousands of volunteers annually. 

The concept of a regional nonprofit center was such a success that in early 2019 the Foundation realized our building was beyond capacity, and an expansion was necessary to meet the needs of the partner tenants and the community.  Thanks to a generous gift from Tony Frentz and Rob Else, MAF was able to expand Shared Spaces into the adjoining building, adding eight offices and an additional conference room. The renovation of the new space, called the Shared Spaces Philanthropy Center, was completed in July.

With the addition of the new space, MAF has moved their offices to anchor the Shared Spaces Philanthropy Center – allowing the other partner tenants to expand in size and scope. 

“I am thrilled about this new space and its focus on charitable giving.  We have all experienced the power of philanthropy in this region – we are surrounded by examples of projects and programs made possible by the generosity of this community,” said Nancy Zallek, President and CEO of MAF. “Our goal is that this new space becomes a hub for anyone or any group promoting the power of giving. I can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring.”

About the Mankato Area Foundation

The Mankato Area Foundation is a donor-driven community foundation whose purpose is to improve the livability in Greater Mankato through philanthropy. Our community foundation connects donors with causes they care about, provides funding to address key community objectives and convenes individuals and organizations to find solutions for local challenges.

To learn more about the Mankato Area Foundation and how the organization makes an impact on this region visit www.mankatoareafoundation.com or visit us on Facebook.