Regional Food Rescue Initiative
To address increasing food insecurity across Southern Minnesota, the Mankato Area Foundation helped lay the groundwork for a coordinated regional food‑rescue system by providing the resources and early support needed to bring partners together. This investment allowed local organizations to build the infrastructure required to efficiently redirect surplus food to families who need it most. In the first year alone, the initiative rerouted more than 130,000 pounds of nutritious food across the region.
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Marian Anderson Rotating Exhibit
Experience the beauty, history, and heart of our region through the eyes of one of its most beloved artists—Marian Anderson. This rotating exhibit showcases a selection of Marian’s work displayed throughout local businesses in the Mankato area, bringing her art to new spaces and new audiences.
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Recharge Mankato
The Mankato Area Foundation partnered with Recharge America to help launch Recharge Mankato—an initiative designed to introduce the region to emerging electric vehicle (EV) technology and spark local momentum around innovative, sustainable mobility solutions. Through hands‑on community events and educational programming, the effort gave residents the chance to experience EVs, e‑bikes, and other advanced technologies up close while highlighting opportunities in the evolving clean‑energy workforce. MAF's early and ongoing support helped build awareness, enthusiasm, and community readiness for this next chapter in transportation. Today, the initiative continues to inform and inspire local efforts aimed at creating a more sustainable and forward‑looking future for the region.
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The Mankato Community Collage
To celebrate the Mankato Area Foundation’s 50th anniversary, we partnered with photographer Josh Madson to expand the reach of his Community Collage project—an effort that captured the faces and spirit of Greater Mankato and the region. The project culminated in a free, large‑scale exhibition featuring more than 5,000 portraits of individuals, families, friends, and coworkers, all created through quick photo sessions held throughout the community. This visual celebration highlighted what makes our region truly special: its people. The Foundation is grateful to Madson, his team, and the thousands who participated in and supported this one‑of‑a‑kind tribute to the place we live, work, and play!
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Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study
The Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study (GMIS) report identifies critical themes in community perceptions and experiences surrounding equity, diversity, inclusivity and belonging in this area—including age, gender, ethnicity and abilities in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties. The study, which is a resource for the entire community, can also be found on Transforming Tomorrow Together website.
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Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
The Mankato Area Foundation is proud to have supported early efforts that helped lay the groundwork for what would become one of the region’s most impactful community assets—the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. Today, the Museum is a vibrant hub for families, built around the power of play and a commitment to nurturing curiosity. Since opening the doors to its home in 2015, it has offered dynamic, hands‑on experiences that inspire learning, exploration, and connection for youth and their families across Southern Minnesota (and beyond!)
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Fallenstein Field
Fallenstein Field—named in honor of Al and Erla Fallenstein—is a fully accessible baseball field at Caswell Park in North Mankato. Built with a rubberized surface for safe wheelchair use, along with dugouts, lights, and a scoreboard, the field creates opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to experience the joy of playing baseball together.
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Fallenstein Playground
Fallenstein Playground was created with a simple but powerful goal: to ensure children of all abilities can play, connect, and experience a true sense of belonging. Designed as an all‑inclusive space at Caswell Park—home of the North Mankato Miracle League—the playground brings children, families, and the broader community together in an environment where everyone can thrive. The Mankato Area Foundation was pleased to support early efforts that helped this vision take shape, honoring the spirit of inclusion and community that continues to guide the project.
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Kiwanis Holiday Lights has become a signature winter tradition, illuminating Sibley Park with more than a million lights, volunteer energy, and generosity that brightens the season for all. Early in its planning, Kiwanis turned to the Mankato Area Foundation as a lead partner to help spark community support. Through a significant grant from the Al and Erla Fallenstein Fund—created to support local parks—MAF helped bring the event to life in a way that honored Erla Fallenstein’s love of Sibley Park and her joy in holiday decorating. Today, the celebration continues to shine with festive features like train rides, Santa’s Workshop, and live reindeer—while staying true to its mission of building community traditions and collecting food donations for families in need.
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Hockey Day Minnesota
When Hockey Day Minnesota hit the ice in Mankato in 2022, the community rallied in a big way—and the Mankato Area Foundation helped ensure that support turned into long-lasting impact. With event proceeds, local organizers created the Grow the Game Fund at MAF to keep hockey opportunities strong across Southern Minnesota. The fund continues to assist, providing resources for arena improvements and youth programs that help the sport thrive. It’s proof that when our community works together, we don’t just celebrate hockey—we score big for the next generation.
"MY Place" Mankato Youth Place
MY Place—originally launched as the Boys & Girls Club of Mankato—benefited from early support by the Mankato Area Foundation as it established a safe, welcoming space for local youth. As the organization evolved, the name “MY Place” emerged to reflect stronger youth voice and community ownership. Today, MY Place offers programs that help young people succeed in school, build healthy habits, and grow as leaders in our community.
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