November 10, 2009
“The way we worked before, whatever worked before is changing, transforming. Are we prepared, proactive?” That was the over-arching question from last week’s Joint Conference of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Minnesota Council on Foundations.
"Now is the era of partnerships." Grantmakers are uniquely positioned to connect the dots between public, private and philanthropic organizations.
Right in line with our conference theme, “Transforming Our Work: From Challenging Times to Hopeful Futures,” Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, shared his thoughts on transformations in philanthropy.
Foundations are moving toward mobilizing resources and making strategic philanthropic investments. The reality is, after the federal stimulus money is gone, resources will not be available to return to the way we worked before. “How will we respond?” Gunderson asks. “Now is the era of partnerships.”
Gunderson cites education as an example. In the past, the public, private and philanthropic sectors worked separately in their own way to tackle their priorities. In this new time of partnering, these sectors are playing not just side by side but together.
Philanthropy’s role can be to create innovation – to connect the dots – to connect funding resources with those who need it. Gunderson outlines the four Cs key to public/private philanthropic partnerships:
- Connections: Nonprofit delivery systems and the philanthropic sectors need to be connected with the public sector. This needs to occur on the federal level, and just as importantly, on the state and local levels. Regional associations and local governments must be involved too.
- Communication: Sharing, opening and broadening communication that is two-way is important to partnership success and future efforts.
- Capacity-building: What role can philanthropy play in equipping nonprofits and government?
- Convenings: Bringing diverse groups in each community together to define strategies and move forward is key. Nonprofits who are on the ground, know the needs of their communities and provide delivery systems to meet those needs must also take responsibility for bringing the many players together.
Join the conversation: What’s your take on this new era of public/private/philanthropic partnerships? What can and should be the role of each sector? What’s a great case study or partnership example?
– Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate
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collaboration, communication, conference, economy, government, grantseekers, mcf, nonprofits, public policy | Tagged: MCN/MCF Joint Annual Conferece: Transforming Our Work from Challenging Times to Hopeful Futures, public/private/philanthropic partnerships, Steve Gunderson, the four Cs of partnerships | 
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Posted by Chris Noonan
November 9, 2009
Overall charitable giving by individuals, foundations and corporate giving programs in Minnesota was $5.5 billion in 2007, according to MCF’s latest research on giving. Most of the growth in giving was driven by foundations and corporate giving programs in the state, which provided an additional 10 percent in charitable dollars in 2007 compared to 2006.
MCF just released Giving in Minnesota, our annual research report on philanthropy in the state, in conjunction with the Joint MCN/MCF Annual Conference, Transforming Our Work: From Challenging Times to Hopeful Futures.
With over 1,800 attendees representing the state’s non-profit and grantmaking communities, the conference provided an opportunity for me to stop calculating growth rates and start meeting practitioners – the people doing the hard work in this state to house homeless families, achieve racial justice, and respond to the economic downturn, among other (many other) things. I learned new tricks and met smart folks at the conference, and was happy to escape my windowless office and Excel spreadsheets for two days.
In the spirit of learning and sharing, I’d like to provide a few interesting facts from Giving in Minnesota, 2009 Edition. Our complete report provides much greater detail and context; our summary report hits all the highlights. The information below is based on an analysis of 27, 243 grants of $2,000 or more made by 100 of the largest grantmakers in Minnesota in 2007.
- Grant dollars increased for all subject areas except public affairs/society benefit.
- Education, human services, and public affairs/society benefit received the largest shares of Minnesota’s grant dollars, continuing a long-term trend.
- Although grantmaking to the environment/animals and international affairs is comparatively small, giving to both subject areas grew rapidly — by 17 percent — in 2007.
- Fifty-five percent of the state’s grant dollars went to organizations serving Minnesota.
- Among all geographic areas, giving to Greater Minnesota grew fastest.
- Minnesota grantmakers devote the largest share of their grant dollars to program support.
- Giving to general support dropped in 2007, as it has every year since 2004.
These facts just scratch the surface. MCF has a wealth of detailed information on trends in grantmaking available in Giving in Minnesota; our aim is to make that information accessible and relevant to non-profits, grantmakers, and all those in the public sector who need to understand how resources are allocated in Minnesota.
– Juliana Tillema, MCF research manager
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Posted by julianatillema
November 3, 2009
Ridin' the range and ropin' the headlines so you don't have to.
Your biweekly roundup of media coverage on the world of nonprofit and philanthropy (yee-ha.)
Local
Hiring, Wage Freezes Starting To Thaw
(Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal) According to a new survey, 54% of businesses report planning on “unfreezing” hiring and wage freezes within the next six months.
New Leaders Bring Fresh Focus to Area Foundations
(Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal) Five of the largest Twin Cities-based Foundations are headed by recently hired leaders, a rate of turnover rarely seen. They’ve got big plans for finding new ways to collaborate and putting into place more effective grantmaking practices.
Nonprofits Object to Minneapolis’ Streetlight Fees, Feeling ‘Death by A Thousand Cuts’
(MinnPost.com) Nonprofits are being charged more fees for city services and assessments. Troubled by the trend, nonprofit leaders recently spoke out about the issue at a public hearing.
Nonprofits Take Hit in Steele County Budget
(MinnPost.com) Some Steele county nonprofits, including providers of basic needs, are feeling the effects of budget tightening as the county commissioner cuts $100,000 in grants.
Working to Make Sure Businesses Aren’t Derailed
(Star Tribune) A coalition of grantmakers and nonprofits are working together to ensure that local businesses and communities along the University Avenue are not affected negatively by the Central Corridor light rail project.
National
Charitable Gifts to Drop 9% in 2009
(The Wall Street Journal) Charitable giving is projected to take a dip this year, as the full brunt of the economic downturn is finally reflected in the giving habits of donors.
For Executives, Study Shows Foundations Prefer to Hire From Outside
(The Chronicle of Philanthropy) Bad news for those climbing the ladder in the philanthropic world. A new study reports that the majority of philanthropic executives are hired from outside the organization.
Giving Through Donor-Advised Funds Holds Steady, Despite Fewer Contributions
(PND) Many who use donor-advised funds to contribute to nonprofits are maintaining their giving levels despite the downturn.
U.S. Health-Care Giving Rises Only Slightly in 2008
(The Chronicle of Philanthropy) Donations to US health-care organizations rose by 2.9% in 2008 according to a report released by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy. However, the Association notes that this bump in giving is likely the result of health-care organizations closing their books before the recession hit.
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Posted by MCF Webmaster
November 2, 2009
Any nonprofit that wasn’t feeling stretched and stressed before the recession most certainly has since the “R” word became a reality. While the outlook is still uncertain, the Joint Annual Conference of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Minnesota Council on Foundations will provide essential tools and knowledge to weather the storm.
Titled Transforming Our Work: From Challenging Times to Hopeful Futures, the conference will run this Thursday and Friday, Nov. 5 and 6.
One of the featured speakers will be Susan Gross, cofounder of Management Assistance Group and author of Seven Turning Points: Leading Through Pivotal Transitions in Organizational Life, published last spring by Fieldstone Alliance.
According to the book synopsis: “Gross defines turning points as critical junctures at which organizations must adjust their leadership, management, structure, governance, and operating style to fit their changed circumstances…Organizations will know they’ve reached a turning point when the structure, management approach, leadership style, and organizational culture that once worked just fine begin to sow a host of new tensions and problems…Organizations do not always evolve in an orderly fashion, graduating from one life cycle to the next. ”
Here are Gross’ seven turning points as outlined in her book. Some food for thought:
- Turning Point 1: Do we need to get organized?
- Turning Point 2: Do we need infrastructure?
- Turning Point 3: Do we need to let go?
- Turning Point 4: Do we need to focus?
- Turning Point 5: Do we need to decentralize power?
- Turning Point 6: Do we need to recapture our core?
- Turning Point 7: How do we move on?
For insight on the causes, symptoms and how to guide organizations through these turning points and achieve greater effectiveness, impact and staying power, check out Gross’ breakout session at the MCN/MCF Joint Annual Conference, Thursday, Nov. 5, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Gross is also the keynote speaker at the conference’s CEO/Trustee Dinner, Thursday at 6 p.m., when she’ll discuss “Leading in a Time of Uncertainty and Change.”
– Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate
Leave a Comment » | boards, conference, economy, leadership, mcf, nonprofits, programs | Tagged: Fieldstone Alliance, Management Assistance Group, MCN/MCF Joint Annual Conference, Seven Turning Points: Leading Through Pivotal Transitions in Organizational Life, Sue Gross | Permalink
Posted by Chris Noonan
October 30, 2009
Happy Halloween to all those zombies and zombettes out there who will be attending the conference next week! With my holiday themed entry today I’d like to spotlight one of the “don’t-miss” features of the MCN/MCF Joint Conference, the Ask the Experts sessions happening in the Resource Room.
The conference features a host of "heady" selections for the discerning undead.
We’ve got a great line-up of local experts from the following organizations ready to speak with attendees on a variety of topics:
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – Fundraising Issues
- Charities Review Council (CRC) – Nonprofit Policies & Practices
- HandsOn Twin Cities – Volunteering/Volunteer Management
- LegalCORPS – Legal Issues
- MACC Commonwealth – Administration
- MAP for Nonprofits – Governance, Management and Technology
- Midwest International NGO Network (MINN) – International NGO Issues
- Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) – Volunteering/Volunteer Management
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) – Public Policy
- Nonprofits Assistance Fund – Finance
- Springboard for the Arts – Enhancing the Arts & Arts-Focused Nonprofits
- Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) – Professional Development
For a complete description of each organization’s area of expertise and when they will be available, visit the Transforming Our Work website.
While I’m talking about great things happening at the conference, I’d also like to give a shout out to the people over at the Nonprofits Assistance Fund, who have launched a fun little contest that they’ll be conducting during the conference. The challenge–write a haiku about the beauty of the balance sheet. Submit your entry online, and you will be eligible for a “very special” prize.
Have a safe and fun Halloween weekend! We’re looking forward to seeing you boys and ghouls next week.
-Cary Lenore Walski
MCF web communications associate
1 Comment | conference, mcf | Tagged: MCN/MCF Joint Conference | Permalink
Posted by MCF Webmaster
October 29, 2009
The Saint Paul Foundation is currently seeking nominations for the fourth annual Ambassador Award. This award was established to honor local leaders who are building a sense of community in the East Metro that is respectful, safe, and inclusive. The Ambassador Award will be conferred at an April 19, 2010 ceremony.
The award recipient will be presented with a cash award of $10,000 which she or he may donate to a nonprofit or other public organization that furthers the work of creating a more equitable community in Dakota, Ramsey and/or Washington counties.
If you would like to nominate an individual for the Ambassador Award, you may find complete guidelines, selection criteria and a downloadable application at www.FacingRace.org. All nominations must be postmarked by Friday, December 11, 2009.
The winner of the 2009 Ambassador Award is Dr. Ghafar Lakanwal, whose work to encourage tolerance and share diversity was profiled recently in the Twin Cities Daily Planet.
Leave a Comment » | awards, leadership, social justice | Tagged: Facing Race 2010 Ambassador Award, The Saint Paul Foundation | Permalink
Posted by MCF Webmaster
October 27, 2009
Target, McKnight and General Mills Rank Highest in 2008 Grants Paid
The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) today released its annual rankings of the top grantmakers in Minnesota based on cash grants paid in 2008. The annual rankings lists include: Top 50 Minnesota Grantmakers overall; Top 50 Minnesota Foundations By Assets; Top 25 Minnesota Corporate Grantmakers; Top 25 Minnesota Private Foundations; and the Top 25 Community/Public Foundations.
“Cash giving by the 75 corporate, private and community/public grantmakers that comprise our three Top 25 lists totals just over $1 billion,” says Bill King, MCF president. “The contributions of these and all the approximately 1,400 Minnesota grantmakers are a significant source of support for nonprofits, especially as they strive to meet the growing challenges facing our communities.”
King adds, “Many of our corporate grantmakers also give beyond their cash contributions by donating in-kind goods and services and by volunteering. Minnesota’s philanthropic tradition, led by these top grantmakers, continues to be one of the strongest in the country.”
The effect of the economic downturn is evident in MCF’s reporting on 2008 foundation assets. King explains, “Our ranking of Top Minnesota Foundations by Assets reveals what we’ve heard anecdotally for months – assets are declining, in some cases by substantial amounts. Nonprofits will be affected, but the extent may not be known until well into 2010.”
The top five Minnesota grantmakers overall (based on cash contributions paid in 2008) are: Target Foundation and Corporation ($138.2 million); The McKnight Foundation ($99.5 million); General Mills Foundation and Corporation ($71.2 million); The Saint Paul Foundation ($64.8 million); and Cargill Foundation and Cargill Inc. ($58.2 million).
For the complete rankings, visit mcf.org.
MCF’s annual rankings are based on the amount of cash grants paid by funders with fiscal years ending June 1, 2008, through May 31, 2009. In order to ensure that grantmakers are compared consistently, in-kind or other non-cash contributions are not included.
In early November, MCF will release its annual Giving in Minnesota research report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the trends and patterns of giving by Minnesota foundations and corporations.
Leave a Comment » | community foundations, corporate, economy, mcf, research | Tagged: 2008, 2008 grants paid, Annual Grantmaker Rankings, Cargill Foundation and Cargill Inc., General Mills Foundation and Corporation, MCF Grantmaker Rankings, Target Foundation and Corporate, The McKnight Foundation, The Saint Paul Foundation, Top 25 Community/Public Foundations, Top 50 Grantmakers, Top 50 Minnesota Foundations by Assets, Top Minnesota Corporate Grantmakers, Top Minnesota Grantmakers, Top Minnesota Private Foundations | Permalink
Posted by MCF Webmaster
October 26, 2009
Partnering in philanthropy is like one of those trends that you know may be out there, but that you don’t notice until you start working on it, and then you see that it’s everywhere.
As we pulled together content for the fall issue if Giving Forum, which focuses on partnering, it became clear that, no matter how we defined partnering or where we looked for examples, grantmakers are deeply committed to collaborating – with each other, nonprofits, the public and private sectors, individuals, international organizations – to create greater impact and tackle bigger issues.
In the article “Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Scenario I, An Interview With Kelvin Taketa and Chris Van Bergeijk,” which appeared in The Nonprofit Quarterly, Winter 2008, Van Bergeijk of the Hawai’i Community Foundation says, “The grout that glues the tiles together is where the power is. It allows us to come up with bigger approaches and bigger solutions to social issues…There’s a real price that comes from the isolation between organizations. There’s no chance to share practices or that audacious idea that you have but keep on the back burner because you know you could never do it by yourself.”
So, if we’re committed to partnering, where do we turn for “how-to’s” or do we just jump in? When I posed this question to grantmakers I interviewed for Giving Forum, as well as members of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, a variety of resources were sent my way. We’ve compiled some of them on our website. They include books, articles and online links on a variety of aspects of partnering – collaboration cultivation, program and organization mergers, case studies and more.
Join the Conversation: What resources have you consulted that have made a difference in helping you partner successfully?
- Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate
1 Comment | collaboration, giving forum, nonprofits, research | Tagged: An Interview With Kelvin Taketa and Chris Van Bergeijk, collaboration, Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, giving forum, Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Scenario I, partnership, resources for collaboration, resources on partnership, The Nonprofit Quarterly | Permalink
Posted by Chris Noonan
