Minnesota Council On Foundations

Membership Services:MCF conducts a wide range of training and professional development opportunities for grantmakers, and creates opportunities for peer networking and learning within the field. Programs include: grantmaking skills; briefings on current events and issues; foundation type and issue based peer networks; and trends in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. MCF provides programming and peer learning opportunities in a range of issues related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. MCF's government relations and public policy program provides education, training and peer networks to its members, encouraging the incorporation of public policy and advocacy into grantmaking, in adherence with professional and legal practices. MCF responds to public policy issues related to the field of philanthropy, and advances public policy issues related to strengthening democracy.

Public Awareness:MCF educates the public, nonprofit organizations, the media, government and elected officials about philanthropy, trends in the field, and the grantmaking process. This occurs through the publication of MCF Notes, MCF Giving Memo, Giving in Minnesota report, and working directly with the media and the interested public. Data used to inform the public is generated through surveys of philanthropy and through national databases including a 3-year commitment to work with Impala. The Press Forward MN effort, hosted at MCF, aims to increase public awareness about the connection between quality local news and information and civic health.