As students head back to school, new research by MCF indicates that Minnesota grantmakers have increased giving to education (PDF), specifically funneling more dollars toward K-12 needs.
According to early conclusions from MCF’s research (PDF), grantmaking to education by the research sample increased to $257 million in 2010, a 3-percent increase from 2009. Education leads all other subject areas of Minnesota grantmaking, receiving a 27-percent share of Minnesota’s total philanthropic dollars.
Corporations lead education grantmaking
As in past years, in 2010 corporate foundations and giving programs granted more than half of the total education dollars. Corporate grantmaking to education increased 9 percent to $147 million from 2009. Target and General Mills were Minnesota’s largest education grantmakers, giving $54.7 million and $51.3 million, respectively.
Private foundations granted 27 percent of education dollars, or $70 million in 2010.
Community/public foundations gave nearly $40 million or 15 percent of the total education grant dollars. Community/public grantmaking to education rose more than $14 million, partly because Greater Twin Cities United Way was included in the research sample for the first time (giving $8.3 million) and The Saint Paul Foundation and Minnesota Community Foundation granted $4.3 million more to education in 2010 than in 2009.
Giving to K-12 education up 12 percent
As in previous years, in 2010 the elementary/secondary education subcategory received the largest share of education dollars, increasing 12 percent to $102 million. 3M is one grantmaker boosting giving to elementary/secondary education.
MCF’s complete Giving in Minnesota, 2012 Edition, will be released in October. Pre-releases on giving to arts and human services will be out in September. Details here.
- Susan Stehling, MCF communications associate
Photo cc Alberto Quaglia
