CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
The Mankato Area Foundation is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024! Over the past five decades, we’ve witnessed the spirit of giving in this community and have had the privilege to help individuals with their philanthropic goals. To mark this milestone, we are sharing 50 years of significant events, contributions and donors who have made an impact with their generosity and commitment to doing good. We look forward to what the future will bring.
During the first decade, the MAF Board worked hard to share their vision and increase community support. They identified key community initiatives and raised the funds necessary to bring those projects and programs to fruition. Once a project was complete and funds had been distributed, they identified the next goal for community impact and began the process again to raise significant donations. Through this “community chest” model, the Foundation was able to successfully undertake a variety of projects that are still visible today.
Mankato Area Foundation Incorporates
Minnesota Valley Regional Library
Rocks & Fountain Area
Public Affairs Institute: Energy Seminar, $2,000
Public Affairs Institute: Economic Future Seminar, $2,000
Leadership Mankato Area Established Program to Train Emerging and Future Community Leaders.This program, now known as Greater Mankato Leadership Institute, has shaped leaders for over 40 years with 1,000+ alumni.
MSU South Central Regional Science Fair
Entering the second decade, the “community chest” model continued. The Foundation’s leadership became increasingly proactive in fundraising for specific initiatives and local projects and programs. As time passed, local donors embraced the concept and the Foundation continued to grow.
Mankato Summer Band – Band Shell, $3,000
Mankato International Festival National Flags
Welcome Signs “Where Rivers and People Meet”
Minnesota Valley Regional Library
Wilson Scholarship Fund Established
Williams-Minneopa Outdoor Learning Center, $259,225
Mankato Heart Health Cookbook, $5,000
Mankato Youth Symphony, $300
Dakota Indian Statue, $100
Suzuki School of Music, $100
Lancer Marching Band Uniforms, $2,100
Heritage Center, $10,000
Habitat for Humanity, $100
Walk Around Downtown Beautification. $25,000
Blue Earth County Heritage Center, $2,305
Lincoln Park Restoration, $10,289
Red Jacket Trail, $5,000
Youth in Government Scholarship, $200
Sunken Garden, $2,976
Sunken Garden $3,024
Mankato Arts Council – Carnegie Arts Center, $4,000
Minnesota Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, $200
Youth in Government Scholarship, $210
Lancers, $400
The third decade began and ended with major gifts, one private and one corporate, that set the stage for the Foundation’s rapid growth as we entered the 21st century. Early in the decade, a significant endowed gift from a local donor allowed the organization to nearly triple in asset size. The effects of this gift were threefold: more and larger grants could be distributed, funding began to include expanded social causes, and a need emerged to develop a more structured board governance system. The board also made the decision to transition from raising money for specific projects to increasing the asset size of the Foundation so that granting could be distributed through income from investments- ensuring that funds will exist into perpetuity. Toward the end of the decade, MAF became the philanthropic vehicle for a local technology corporation seeking a partner to assist them in establishing a donor-advised fund to facilitate their philanthropy. Grants focused in the area of science, engineering and technology education became the focus of this new fund and the Foundation has been able to award significant grants in that area.
Council for Health Action Promotion, $5,000
Ogden W. and Jane M. Confer Scholarship, $2,000
Mankato Area Youth Hockey Association, $1000
East High School United Against Prejudice – Peer Mediation Training, $1,200
Mankato Symphony Concert Scholarship, $5,000
Youth in Government Scholarship, $335