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.
Public Affairs Institute: Energy Seminar, $2,000
Williams-Minneopa Outdoor Learning Center, $400,000
Mankato Heart Health
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.
Ogden and Jane Confer Scholarship Fund Established
Mankato Teen Center, $589
Mankato Sister City Program, $3,222
Mankato Youth Symphony, $300
Leadership Mankato Area, $850
Mankato Youth Symphony, $150
Blue Earth County Heritage Center, $4,000
Salvation Army, $200
Minnesota Valley Regional Library, $1,000
Red Jacket Trail, $5,000
Youth in Government Scholarship, $210
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.
Youth in Government Scholarship, $210
Mankato Symphony Orchestra Steinway Restore, $4,338
Mankato International Festival, $1,000
Mankato Area Skateboard Association, $500
Council for Health Action Promotion, $3,450
Bethany Lutheran College – Ruth and Chris Faye Scholarship, $25,000
Mankato Area Youth Hockey Association, $1,000
Mankato International Festival, $1,000
Mankato Arts Council – Carnegie Arts Center Door Replacement, $4,000
Minnesota Valley Regional Library Film Restoration, 2,500
Merely Players Portable Lighting Equipment, $3,450
Loyola Audio System, $1,000
St. Peter North Field Trip, $900
Business and Education Succeeding Together Virtual Tours, $2,400