MANKATO, MN (October 19, 2021) — The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) is thrilled to announce the distribution of 601 grants totaling a record $2.025M in the fiscal year 2020-21. Nonprofit organizations throughout our region and beyond were impacted by grants in the following areas:

• 5% – Animals & Nature
• 7% – Arts & Culture
• 7% – Community Benefit
• 3% – Education & Scholarships
• 2% – Health & Wellness
• 8% – Other
• 2% – Recreation
• 6% – Youth

Nancy Zallek, President and CEO of the Mankato Area Foundation, attributes the increase in granting to the generosity of our communities. Throughout the last year, countless individuals and businesses stepped up to support the nonprofit sector, as many of our organizations were positioned on the front line of the COVID-19 response. Zallek also stated that the increase is due to MAF’s significant growth in donor advised funds (DAF). DAFs are a philanthropic tool that allows the Foundation staff to work closely with donors to identify how their charitable giving can have the most impact.

“I could not be more pleased.  We more than doubled our granting from two years ago.  I want to thank this region for believing in the expertise of the foundation and our ability to facilitate charitable giving. It makes a difference!”