Giving back: Area philanthropy thrives
From tackling food insecurity to supporting the arts, area philanthropy thrives.
How a Community Foundation Works
In this episode of the iWealth Podcast, Brad Connors sits down with Nancy Zallek of the Mankato Area Foundation to unpack what community foundations actually do—and why donor-advised funds have become one of the most practical ways to give with clarity and impact.
Donor advised funds boost Art in the Alley
Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) joined Radio Mankato to highlight this summer’s Art in the Alley initiative.
Free sessions give nonprofits philanthropic know-how
Mankato Area Foundation is presenting the four-part series of free sessions to help organizations recognize potential opportunities for increasing revenue in different areas: Philanthropy 101, Individual Giving 101, Grant Making 101 and Earned Income 101.
Additional TFFF investment expands long‑term impact across the region
Through its role as one of three supporting organizations, MAF will continue partnering with the Taylor Family Farms Foundation to expand the reach and long‑term impact of this philanthropic commitment.
With support from MAF, BENCHS rebuilds
With strategic guidance through MAF and community partnerships, the animal humane society stabilized operations and positioned itself for long-term sustainability.
MAF donor match drives Camp Patterson upgrades
Mankato Free Press (December 2025) — MADISON LAKE — Margie and Phil Slingsby of Mankato both have strong personal reasons for establishing a $100,000 pledge match to go toward major renovations at Kiwanis Camp Patterson on Lake Washington. For Margie, it’s her own memories of what attending Bible camp as
Giving in action: MAF grants $4.2 million
The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) released its annual report, the Philanthropy Review, celebrating another year of impact in local giving. A total of 701 grants, amounting to $4.2 million, were distributed to nonprofit organizations through MAF during the previous fiscal year, ending June 30, 2025.
JZ Cancer Fund celebrates hope with young ambassador
Maddux Allore served as the Ambassador for the Mustache Bash hosted by the Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation.