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.

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.
Telling Our Story

COMMUNITY IMPACT
Feeding the Need
A regional response to food insecurity.
How a coordinated effort is transforming excess into access across South Central Minnesota.
On the day Tom Polich agreed to meet to talk about food rescue efforts, he showed up with a spreadsheet of data and a car full of squash.
The squash, part of a 684-pound rescue underway that day, was headed to the St. Peter Food Shelf and the Mayo Clinic Health System produce refrigerators, where it would be available for patients showing signs of food insecurity. Read More
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.







