Together, giving looks good on us.
Since 1974, the Mankato Area Foundation has been a driving force in building a stronger, more connected community through the power of giving. We bring together individuals, families, and organizations who share a commitment to making a lasting impact.
As a trusted and permanent resource, we help donors align their generosity with local needs, ensuring their contributions create meaningful change—today and for generations to come. By providing expert guidance and philanthropic leadership, we empower donors to turn their charitable visions into lasting legacies.

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.
Telling Our Story
COMMUNITY IMPACT
From Insights to Impact
Now complete, the Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study (GMIS) has identified critical themes in community perceptions and experiences surrounding inclusivity and belonging in the Greater Mankato area regarding age, gender, ability, and ethnicity. It is already being used to inform, design and provide services. Read More
50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Philanthropy Review 2024
Over the past five decades, the Mankato Area Foundation has had the honor of helping individuals with their philanthropic goals. We’ve witnessed the spirit of giving in this community over and over and see the impact of its incredible generosity. This year’s Philanthropy Review tells our story from 1974 through 2024. It features an action-packed timeline, perspectives from founders, former board members and donors as well as stories of impact and gratitude. Plus, you will find highlights of MAF’s role in The Community Collage which celebrates what truly makes our community so special—the people. Thank you for being a part of this journey—past, present and future.
See Philanthropy Review 2023
News & Press
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04 Apr
Recharge Mankato: EV Ride & Drive event set for April 12
Read moreMankato, MN (April 4, 2025) – The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF), in partnership with Recharge America, invites the community to Snell Motors on Saturday, April
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12 Mar
Consolidated Communications Community Fund of MAF awards $195,000
Read moreMankato, MN (March 12, 2025)—The Consolidated Communications Community Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation is awarding $195,000 in grants to 32 local non-profit organizations across the Greater
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11 Mar
Nonprofits: Strong leaders and community support
Read moreMankato 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.
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04 Mar
MAF grants $50,000 for Makerspace expansion
Read moreMankato, MN (March 4, 2025)—The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Mankato Makerspace to support its capital campaign, which aims
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03 Mar
Compassionate Community Center finds a home at Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz
Read moreMankato 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