Connecting food to families in need
Tom Polich, the “air traffic controller” of rejected food around Mankato, says food rescuers have saved food that would have gone into landfills.
Local generosity sustains a cultural celebration
For prominent Mankato artist and community organizer Justin Ek, the lesson learned may be a simple one: Just ask.
Letter to the Editor: The Giving for Good Catalog may be closed, but the need is not
As the 2025 Giving for Good Catalog has come to a close, I’m reflecting on the incredible generosity shown by our community.
Crowns for a cause: A royal benefit for JZ Cancer Fund
Join the JZ Cancer Fund on August 24 at The Venue in Mankato for a family event with Once Upon A Party, featuring storybook characters, interactive singing and dancing, followed by a meet and greet autograph session.
Making donating easier
Mankato Free Press editorial, "Our View" (July 20, 2025) — Thumbs up to the recent efforts by the Mankato Area Foundation to make it easier to donate through a targeted summer campaign matching donor interests to specific nonprofits.
MAF spurs giving with catalog
Mankato Free Press (July 18, 2025) — Donations are trickling into the Mankato Area Foundation’s new Giving for Good Catalog, which connects donors with more than 50 featured nonprofits in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties.
In the news: Giving for Good Catalog
(July 2025) — Mankato Area Foundation joined Radio Mankato, Kato Living and KEYC News Now for an update on this summer's "Giving for Good Catalog".
Nonprofits: Strong leaders and community support
Mankato Free Press (March 11, 2025)—Charitable giving nationwide has been down in the last few years, but nonprofits in this region say support remains strong. Ashley Eimer, vice president of philanthropy for the Mankato Area Foundation, said they saw another record last year for the amount of grants they could
Compassionate Community Center finds a home at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz
Mankato Free Press (March 2, 2025)—With the help of the Mankato Area Foundation, Mary Ann Boe has a home for her Compassionate Community Center from which she will provide awareness, services and volunteer opportunities for those engaged in end-of-life experiences.
Securing Food: Food insecurity response grows as need increases
Mankato Free Press (February 25, 2025)—When most people think of food shelves, they think of canned and dry goods. That’s old school. What’s looming in the future is a walk-in freezer full of fresh food, said ECHO Food Shelf manager Deisy De Leon Esqueda. It’s all thanks to a $200,000