Investing in our region
We support organizations and people who think bigger and differently about solutions to problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
African American Leadership Forum
African American Leadership Forum (AALF) builds and supports networks of leaders within the African American community. It does this by convening leaders across sectors and across a number of issues impacting the African American community, including economics, health and education. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (Wilder) operates Minnesota Compass, a research project used by organizations and leaders to make data-informed decisions on issues that affect the quality of life for all Minnesotans; and the Community Equity Program, which is increasing Black, Indigenous and people of color representation in Minnesota’s legislative policy decisions. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Arts South Dakota works to improve South Dakota by advancing arts through service, education and advocacy. They produce a series of arts info sheets and metrics focusing on the importance of arts grant programs by the South Dakota Arts Council, the economic impact of the arts, plus arts education and arts in Native lands. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI) brings together cross-sector partners to work towards regional prosperity and to foster an inclusive economy. They do this through collecting and publishing data, hosting events, and providing technical assistance to organizations ready to transform their practices. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Center for Rural Policy and Development
Center for Rural Policy and Development provides nonpartisan research and evaluation to support policymaking on a wide range of issues that impact Greater Minnesota. They do this by surveying thought leaders across the state; providing critical data collection and analysis; and advocating at the state level on issues important to rural communities. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Citizens League is a nonpartisan organization that works to involve citizens in Minnesota in policymaking. They frequently play the backbone role in collective work to address policy issues in addition to their own policy work that seeks innovative solutions to difficult issues through inclusive, cross-sector, multi-partisan processes. They also host events and operate an internship program for Black, Indigenous and people of color college students to work in policy positions. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Coalition of Asian American Leaders
Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) has created a network of more than 5,000 leaders spanning 24 of Minnesota's 40+ Asian ethnic groups, working in all sectors, and representing multiple generations. CAAL’s work focuses on education, economics and immigration, with policy strategies developed through workgroups of leaders. They also provide research and mobilize community members around priorities. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
CTB (formerly the Center for Technology in Business) is a certified entrepreneurial center. They offer a number of programs focused on business development, including the North Dakota Women’s Business Center. They also operate the Women’s Leadership Program that supports leadership development and connectivity in North Dakota. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Dakota Resources is a capacity provider that primarily supports small, rural communities in South Dakota. They operate a variety of programs to support community development in towns across the state, including providing financial support, training, technical assistance and supporting leadership networks. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Emerging Prairie supports the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in North Dakota. Programs include Prairie Capital Summit, which works to grow private capital investment in the Midwest; StartupBREW, a weekly event to support entrepreneurs in Fargo; and TEDxFargo. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
First Peoples Fund’s mission is to support those who see art and culture as ways to strengthen Native communities. They provide direct support through grants to Native artists, culture bearers and the organizations that support them. They provide trainings that 1,500+ Native artists have attended, and they conduct national research and develop reports on investing in the Indigenous arts ecology. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.
Organizations we've funded
Impact Foundation focuses on capacity building for nonprofits throughout North Dakota. Their programs include the Impact Institute that annually teaches 300+ attendees, one-on-one coaching on fundraising, Giving Hearts Day, and assistance to grassroots causes and community projects by managing their donations and reporting. Ecosystem grants provide general operating support for organizations that support others to solve problems in their communities.