Together giving looks good on us.
Since 1974, the Mankato Area Foundation has been dedicated to building a community of individuals who believe in the strength of giving. We continue today to shape Greater Mankato through connecting acts of giving with our community’s needs. As a permanent, trusted resource, donors look to the Mankato Area Foundation to help them make their charitable giving more effective. The Mankato Area Foundation is impacting individuals in our communities now and for generations to come by providing the expertise to help donors nurture their philanthropic dreams and shape their legacy.
Our Mission
The Mankato Area Foundation serves as a trusted catalyst for change, committed to fostering philanthropy, strengthening our region, and enhancing lives.
Our Vision
We envision a region where collaboration, generosity, and inclusivity flourish, creating opportunities for all to thrive.

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Generosity. For Good.
A Donor Advised Fund is an effective tool for charitable giving that provides benefits similar to a private or family foundation without the hassles. Donor Advised Funds minimize the worries and administrative burdens of grantmaking, so you can put your time and energy into what really matters: making a meaningful impact on the community, organizations and causes you value.

GIVING IN ACTION
Philanthropy Review 2025
In this edition of the Philanthropy Review, you'll notice a lot of action words: strengthen, energize, transform, honor. Because when people like you choose to act with generosity and intention, incredible things happen. Behind every story and every gift is someone who chose to do something meaningful.
Higher Standards
The Mankato Area Foundation is accredited with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®—the highest standards for philanthropic excellence. National Standards says that we meet the most rigorous standards in philanthropy and is a promise to our community that we’ll continue to do this good work together, right here in Greater Mankato. National Standards is not mandatory. We chose to go above and beyond by affirming our commitment to excellence and accountability. Our accreditation provides assurance that we have sound policies and practices in place. In short, it means we meet the highest standards for local giving. To receive accreditation with National Standards, the Mankato Area Foundation submitted our policies and procedures to a rigorous review of 26 National Standards in six key areas of community foundation operations, including donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration. The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program was established in 2000 in cooperation with the Council on Foundations. For more information about National Standards, visit www.cfstandards.org.
News & Press
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07
Apr
Minnesota Valley Business Magazine: “MAF Makes Mankato Greater”
Read moreFrom tackling food insecurity to supporting the arts, area philanthropy thrives.
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06
Apr
Giving back: Area philanthropy thrives
Read moreFrom tackling food insecurity to supporting the arts, area philanthropy thrives.
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28
Mar
How a Community Foundation Works
Read moreIn this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors sits down with Nancy Zallek of the Mankato Area Foundation to unpack what community foundations actually
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20
Feb
Building Connection Through Learning: A Partnership Between VINE, CILC, and the Mankato Area Foundation
Read moreWith support from the Mankato Area Foundation, VINE and CILC partnered to invest in interactive learning that builds curiosity, connection, and continuity over time.
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13
Feb
Donor advised funds boost Art in the Alley
Read moreMankato Area Foundation (MAF) joined Radio Mankato to highlight this summer’s Art in the Alley initiative.







