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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17
May
Big impact for regional families: DAF helps support Children’s Museum
Read moreA transformational gift to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, made through a donor advised fund at Mankato Area Foundation, is helping bring expanded opportunities
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17
May
MAF Funds help bring creativity to the community
Read moreSupport from the Gene Biewen and Noel Van Tol Fund and the Marian Anderson Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation is helping spark new public
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01
May
Grant brings free bike helmets and safety to local families
Read moreA grant from the Mankato Area Foundation is helping local children build confidence, safety skills, and access to essential bike helmets for healthier outdoor play.
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01
May
MAF Fund helps bring art and energy to Lower North Mankato
Read moreThanks to support from the Marian Anderson Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation, "CityArt in the Alley" offers a positive focal point for residents and
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23
Apr
MAF earns national reaccreditation
Read moreThe Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) has once again earned accreditation through the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, transparency, and







