Giving Outside the Box

Innovating inclusion: A Community Response that sparked long-term impact

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Mankato area, local nonprofits were among the first to feel its impact. Programs were paused, funding was disrupted, and organizations faced unprecedented uncertainty about how to continue serving their communities.

In response, the Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) and Greater Mankato Area United Way (GMAUW) launched the Community Response Fund—a collaborative initiative designed to provide fast, flexible support to nonprofits through a centralized application and granting process. This approach allowed the two organizations to quickly identify needs and respond with targeted resources.

One of the most pressing challenges emerged among nonprofits serving individuals with disabilities. These organizations were experiencing similar disruptions and voiced a shared need for strategic support. Rather than offering temporary fixes, MAF and GMAUW took an innovative approach: they funded a nonprofit consultant to help the organizations collaborate, align their goals, and develop long-term solutions.

Leaders from MRCI, LEEP, SMILES, and the Miracle League of North Mankato came together to define a shared vision focused on improving quality of life for people with disabilities. Their work emphasized inclusion, coordinated services, and community awareness.

This collaboration even sparked a partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, connecting students with these nonprofits through service-learning opportunities. A unified intake and vetting process was created to match students with roles that fit their interests and skillsets, benefiting both the students and the organizations they serve.

Ultimately, the initiative led to meaningful outcomes: streamlined services, increased community engagement, and a stronger, more unified voice advocating for disability inclusion. What began as a response to crisis evolved into an example for sustainable, community-driven change.

By investing in collaboration and thinking beyond traditional grantmaking, MAF was able to help transform short-term relief into longer-term resilience.