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.
House of Hope, $3,000
Minnesota Valley Chorale, $1,000
Guthrie on Tour, $5,000
YMCA Capital Campaign, $5,000
Mankato Symphony Concert in the Quarry, $5,571
Volunteer Center, $1,000
Youth in Government, $400
Junior Achievement, $7,084
Mankato Area Arts Council, $3,640
As MAF transitioned into the fourth decade, MAF was again the recipient of donor generosity, in the form of a sizeable bequest to support various key community initiatives. This bequest has made a lasting impact, enriching the quality of life in our community for decades to come. The Foundation continues to be a flexible and responsive philanthropic vehicle to support bequests; however, some donors prefer to actively participate in their philanthropy. In this same decade, more donors chose to partner with the Foundation through the creation of donor-advised funds that support operations and projects at numerous nonprofits as well as major cornerstone projects. This fourth decade has exemplified the ability of the Foundation to connect philanthropic interests with community needs and our goal to enhance the livability of this area.
Rapidan Dam Park, $3,000
River Valley Reads, $2,500
Thin Film Fund Scholarships, $15,000
Minnesota State University, Mankato Music Series, $4,110
Musicorum, $2,500
Thin Film Fund Scholarships, $46,700
Habitat for Humanity ReStore, $5,000
Central Freedom School, $5,000
Camp Patterson Cabin Upgrade, $5,000
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
(Cheryl and Yanni Lee Fund), $2,000
The fifth decade promises to be transformational as the Foundation continues its accelerated growth. With increased visibility and continued donor support, Mankato Area Foundation has doubled its asset size and has been a key partner in a variety of community projects. As we continue to focus on facilitating philanthropy, we are anxious to see what this decade will bring …it’s an exciting time at the Mankato Area Foundation!
Boys/Girls Club (now My Place), $65,000*
Sibley Park Giving Barn, $42,261
The Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund, a designed fund of the Mankato Area Foundation, was established by Jonathan and Ginger Zierdt and a guiding coalition of engaged community leaders to build community cancer awareness and support.The JZ Fund helps cancer patients in our region with education, support services and provides JZ Caring Boxes. Learn More
Boys/Girls Club (now My Place), $65,000
Celebrate Me Camp, $10,000
Fallenstein Playground, $66,000
Shared Spaces, $300,000
Mankato Area Foundation partners with Olseth Family Foundation and Minnesota State University, Mankato to start Recharge Mankato. Recharge works to establish Greater Mankato as a leader in efforts aimed at ushering a new era for community mobility centered on the promise of advanced technology electric vehicles, of all types. Learn More
Celebrate Me Camp, $2,000
Mankato Area Foundation launches the Women’s Giving Circle. As a fund of the Mankato Area Foundation, the Women’s Giving Circle amplifies the power of collective giving by bringing together women through a local network in a purposeful way because when women and children thrive, our community will prosper. Learn More
Boys/Girls Club (now My Place), $128,250
Celebrate Me Camp, $59,125
Mankato Area Foundation helps conduct the Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study.
Boys/Girls Club (now My Place), $345,750
Mankato Area Foundation receives accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.