The End of an Era for Catholic Philanthropy in Minnesota

December 16, 2011

This December saw the disbanding of the Guild of Catholic Women (GCW), a philanthropic organization that since 1906 engaged Catholic women in providing care and support for St. Paul’s needy.  The legacy of GCW will continue to influence the community through the organizations they helped establish, and in two endowment funds designated to help local community organizations.

GCW  founded Guild, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with mental illness lead quality lives, that will continue to operate and currently serves over 1600 individuals. GWC was also a major contributor in establishing the Bureau of Catholic Charities, a forerunner Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis; the umbrella group of social services provided by the Archdioceses of St. Paul and Minneapolis; and Our Lady of Peace Home for adults with incurable Cancer.

Their legacy began when St. Paul was less than half a century old. Caroline Beaumont and several other well-off women at St. Luke’s Parish, now the Catholic Community of St. Thomas More, founded the organization to help relieve the poverty of members in the community, especially the cities growing immigrant population. They would go on to set up temporary housing for poor immigrant women, establish a church for Mexican Immigrants now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe, assist in the reintegration of soldiers during World War I and II, and most recently began focusing on mental health issues, especially in children and young adults.

The decision to dissolve the organization was cited as due to its aging membership and declining membership numbers, down to less than 100 active members from over 1,000 in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Many factors influenced the decline in member numbers, including the changing role of women in philanthropy and society, changes in volunteering trends, and the closure and consolidation of parishes.

The first endowment totaling $630,000 was given to the Guild, Inc. to continue their work with the mentally ill. The second endowment was created from the sale of the GCW’s real estate holding, totaling over $200,000, and will be given to organizations throughout St. Paul that promote “wellness in the community,” administered by MCF member Catholic Community Foundation.

For more information, the Guild, Inc.  has a list of articles regarding the GWC’s dissolution.

-Kaitlin Ostlie, MCF administrative assistant

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

Artspace Receives $3.75 Million in New Support from the Ford Foundation

August 26, 2011

Minneapolis-based Artspace, the nation’s leading developer for the arts, has received a $750,000 grant and a $3 million Program Related Investment (PRI) from the Ford Foundation to support Artspace’s work building better communities through the arts.

The $750,000 grant will be used for two main purposes: $500,000 is dedicated for early project development and community engagement work in Hawaii, New Orleans, and the Northern Plains; and $250,000 will support the award-winning long distance learning education program at the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, a new arts center being developed by Artspace in downtown Minneapolis.

In addition, the $3 million PRI will support planning activities conducted by Artspace over the next decade in a wide range of communities across the country where a scarcity of local resources might otherwise prevent project concepts from getting off the ground.

A Program Related Investment is another kind of investment that foundations can make to achieve their philanthropic goals. Unlike grants, PRIs are repaid to foundations, which then use those repaid funds to support a new cause. In this case, Artspace received a 10-year loan at 1% interest. Artspace sought this financing in order to underwrite costs of planning work like architectural and engineering fees.

Learn more: A primer on PRIs from the PRI Makers Network.

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

What makes a coalition effective?

August 23, 2011

In a time of scarce resources and contested legislative priorities, grantmakers and nonprofits must find powerful ways to move their missions forward  and influence policy.  One common, and often effective, way to do this is to form coalitions. Minnesota boasts a number of successful philanthropic and not-for-profit coalitions, including the School Readiness Funders Coalition, Central Corridor Funders Collaborative, ArtsLab, and many others.  As organizations increasingly partner with one another to reach common goals, what guidelines can we use to ensure these coalitions are as effective as possible?

The California Endowment reviews the structure and components of successful coalitions in the recently-released paper What Makes an Effective Coalition? Evidence-Based Indicators of Success (PDF). How can you make coalitions to which you belong more effective? The paper identifies several keys to success:

Avoid redundancy. When considering whether to form a coalition, check for existing coalitions in your interest area.  “Over-coalitioned” communities reduce the effectiveness of individual coalitions and the value of coalitions in general.

Balance an inclusive membership with a strategic focus. Coalition member breadth and diversity provides wide perspectives and a stronger voice for the coalition, but members with very different points of view can struggle to agree on coalition actions.  Coalitions must aim for a balance between diversity of perspective and strategic focus.

Make decision-making transparent.  Effective coalitions establish transparent decision-making processes that allow appropriate member input.  Often, coalitions must choose between equitable decision-making, which allows a decision to be made even when there is disagreement among members, and consensus decision-making, which requires universal agreement before moving on; with transparency, either method can be effective.

Take action.  Coalitions, made up of disparate organizations with their own goals and priorities, are ripe for abstract discussion.  Coalition leadership must balance meaningful discussion with action.

Join the conversation: Have you been a member of a successful – or not so successful – coalition? What made the coalition work well – or struggle?

Image CC rama_miguel

-- Anne Bauers, MCF research manager

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$100,000 Grant Challenge for New Models in Arts Journalism in St. Paul

July 7, 2011

St. Paul nonprofits, businesses and individuals are invited to put on their thinking caps and submit proposals for new, innovative models for arts journalism.

Even before the great recession, news departments felt the sting of slashed budgets, and none more so than those who covered the arts and culture beat.

To fill the void left by empty news desks at papers across the nation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, an MCF member, has partnered up with the National Endowment of the Arts to seek new ways to keep the dialogue about arts, culture and entertainment alive and well.

“The Best Ideas May Well Be the Ones That Stretch Our Thinking”
Instead of just pumping money into existing modes of cultural criticism and reporting, the partners are asking nonprofits, businesses and individuals in eight communities where the Knight Foundation invests, including St. Paul, to suggest innovative programs to invigorate the national dialogue about the arts. No idea is too unusual.

Partnerships between traditional and emerging media organizations are encouraged. There is no limit to the number of applications an organization can submit. Up to $100,000 is available per project: first round winners will receive up to $20,000 to create an “action plan” for developing their idea, and will be eligible for up to $80,000 in the Challenge’s second round to implement it. Although the applicant may be from outside St. Paul, the proposed project must benefit St. Paul directly.

Learn More About This Unique Opportunity
For application materials and more information, visit ArtsJournalism.org. The application deadline is Thursday, August 18, 2011.

Knight and NEA staff will answer questions about the challenge during a live, online chat at 2 p.m. July 27th at  ArtsJournalism.org. No registration is required, though you can go to  ArtsJournalism.org to sign up for a reminder.

Knight/NEA Community Arts Journalism Challenge from Knight Foundation on Vimeo.

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

A Minnesota Innovative and Engaged Philanthropist Earns Award

June 8, 2011

“John Larsen has made significant contributions in advancing the issue of equity across Minnesota,” says Carleen Rhodes, president and CEO of Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation.

“John’s strategic, multi-faceted and outcome-oriented approach to philanthropy exemplifies the work of an engaged philanthropist,” adds Brad Brown, executive director of Social Venture Partners Minnesota (SVP).

For his work, John Larsen will receive the 2011 Engaged Philanthropist Award, a joint effort of Minnesota Community Foundation and SVP Minnesota that recognizes the most innovative and effective engaged philanthropists. The award, launched in 2010 with the late Winston Wallin receiving the inaugural recognition, will be presented at SVP Minnesota’s annual Engaged Philanthropy Conference on June 16, 2011, in Minneapolis.

Larsen is an original funder and a visionary behind Project 515, an organization with a mission to ensure that same sex couples and their families have equal rights and considerations under Minnesota law.  Project 515 has approached the issue of full equality for same sex couples through multiple avenues, including business outreach, education, research, advocacy and media.

Larsen serves as trustee and administrator of the John Larsen Foundation, a member of the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF). The foundation is a private grantmaking organization with a mission to better the lives of individuals and families, both traditional and non-traditional.  Program priorities derive from the active, passionate involvement of family board members in their own communities. Primary areas of focus are arts and humanities, community enhancement, education, environment, human rights and human services.

Larsen was a six-year member of MCF’s board of directors, is a current member of the strategic planning committee, and a leader of MCF’s LGBT Funders network. Larsen also serves on the board of directors for Project 515 and has volunteered with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, Headwaters Foundation for Justice and Together Minnesota. Earlier this year, Larsen was recognized with PFund Foundation’s First Annual Power of Philanthropy Award.

- Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate

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Posted by Chris Noonan

Minnesota Foundations Provide Relief for Tornado Victims

May 25, 2011

Hundreds of north Minneapolis residents have been left without permanent housing after Sunday’s deadly tornado. Minnesota grantmakers are mobilizing to collect funds and coordinate services to support those affected.

Here’s a sample of how MCF members have helped thus far:

  • The Minneapolis Foundation, The United Way Twin Cities and other funding partners have set up a North Minneapolis Fund to match public giving up to $200,000 at giveMN.org. Read the complete news release.
  • General Mills Foundation has committed $75,000 to support immediate response efforts in Missouri and Minnesota. Read more.
  • Target Corporation has donated $50,000 in monetary support and product to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. Read more.
  • Mosaic has donated $25,000 for tornado relief efforts. Read more.
Watch this page on MCF’s website for:
  • Updates on aid as it is provided and how you can donate,
  • Volunteer opportunities and where your help is needed,
  • Assistance available to residents and small businesses in the affected areas.
Photo CC Scottie B. Tuska

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Posted by MCF Webmaster

Why Are Our Children Doing Better? Nancy Award Nominations Due March 25

March 8, 2011

When you think of who has helped improve the well-being of our children, does someone or some organization some to mind? Have they exemplified unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions through program innovation, policy, advocacy or mentorship?

Created in 2007, the Nancy Award shines the spotlight on outstanding contributions by individuals or groups to enhance life for young children and honors the spirit and legacy of Nancy Latimer, whose leadership, passion and commitment to children are exemplified by award recipients.

The fifth annual award will be presented June 29 by the Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network, an MCF network, at the Annual Nancy Latimer Convening for Children and Youth.

Nominations should include the following, not to exceed two pages:

  • For individuals: A brief biographical and professional overview, noting the nominee’s significant activities and accomplishments on behalf of children in Minnesota.
  • For groups: A brief overview of the significant activities and accomplishments of the group on behalf of children in Minnesota.
  • Overviews may be bulleted lists or narratives.
  • The name and contact information of the nominator, as well as a brief statement of the connection between the nominator and nominee.
  • The names, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of two individuals who can provide additional information about the nominee, if needed.
  • Contact information, including title, e-mail address and phone number, for the nominee.

E-mail nominations by March 25 to: Vicki Itzkowitz, Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network coordinator, vitzkowitz@aol.com

Prior Nancy Award recipients are:

2010   Arthur J. Rolnick, senior vice president and director of research, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis; and Jane Kretzmann, senior program officer, Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation.

2009   Dr. Glenace Edwall, director, Children’s Mental Health Division, Minnesota Department of Human Services, and chair, Minnesota Child Psychologists; and Zoe Nicholie, early childhood systems specialist and director of the Build Initiative and public policy work at Ready 4 K.

2008    Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson, Ph.D., founding director, University of Minnesota Children, Youth & Family Consortium, and director, Irving B. Harris Programs, Center for Early Education and Development.

2007     Early Childhood Caucus, Minnesota State Legislature, accepted by Rep. Nora Slawik and Sen. Claire A. Robling.

About Nancy Latimer

As a longtime senior program officer at The McKnight Foundation, a leader of the Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network, and a lifelong advocate for children, Latimer made many contributions to the healthy development of young children, the prevention of child abuse, and the creation of public and policy support to improve the lives of Minnesota’s children and families.

About the Early Childhood Funders Network

The Minnesota Early Childhood Funders Network provides information to network members and policymakers, monitors how changing public policy affects early childhood issues and organizations, and works to strengthen the voice for early childhood within Minnesota philanthropy.

- Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate

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Posted by Chris Noonan

Who Are “Those People” on the Wrong End of Health Disparities in the Twin Cities?

October 27, 2010

I have always been captivated by some people’s ability to use only a handful of words to illustrate very complicated concepts and perspectives. Maybe 15 years ago or so, I was deeply moved by the title of a photography exhibit in the Twin Cities – “Those People.” The exhibit sought to put a human, personal, real face on people often discounted or invisible in the eyes of mainstream Minnesota.

Over the years, as I’ve gone about my life brushing up against the stronger, thicker, higher walls that seem to be arising between the many and varied sub-communities of our state, I’ve often thought about the title of that exhibit.

“Those People” again came to mind when I attended the presentation Oct. 7 of key findings of The Unequal Distribution of Health in the Twin Cities, a research project commissioned by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation and conducted by Wilder Research.

The graphs and charts revealed statistics about health disparities that could lead one to think that we can define a group of “those people” who live in certain zip codes, are of a certain racial background, have a certain educational attainment or earn a certain income as those who are suffering the most in the Twin Cities.

After the research was presented, a panel of community leaders responded. The panel was part of a group of seven sector leaders who authored response papers to the research report. While each had a unique and insightful perspective, the common thread was the notion that we all have a stake in the inequalities that face “those people” and, by working collaboratively, we can diminish the disparities and erase the notion that there is a “those people.” As Paul Wellstone once said, “We all do better when we all do better.”

Dane Smith, president of Growth and Justice, was one of the panelists and authored a response. He writes, “Not just the poor and racial minorities benefit from greater economic security and reduced inequality. Research shows that mortality and longevity rates are superior for all income levels in the more equal states.”

Fifty percent of a person’s health is driven by health behaviors and health care (tobacco use, diet and exercise, access to quality care, etc.), and 50 percent is driven by social, economic and physical environment factors, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute; it is this second 50 percent that was the focus of the Wilder research. In other words, the Wilder report says, “More than half of a person’s health is driven by income, education, race and neighborhood.”

In its companion piece to the research report, Revealing Socioeconomic Factors That Influence Your Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation summarizes the statistics:

  • Each additional $10,000 in an area’s median household income is associated with a full year gain in life expectancy.
  • Life expectancy is nearly five years less for those with the lowest levels of education, compared to those with a high degree of post-secondary education attainment.
  • Life expectancy in the Twin Cities swings widely from 83 years for Asians to 61.5 years for American Indians.
  • Children born into the highest income areas live eight years longer than those born into the poorest communities.

The foundation also issues a call to action: “The Twin Cities and Minnesota are poised to be leaders in closing the health equity gap. Together, we can change the pathway that has led to health disparities. We will all be healthier when we focus on improving the social factors that play a powerful role in determining health.”

This view that fellow citizens are not “those people” who need help, but partners in this quest – a part of “us,” will go a long way in helping frame long-lasting, impactful solutions. “Those people” is a dangerous way to view our communities, and I’m thankful that it’s not reflected in this research and the subsequent work planned by numerous community organizations and foundations to solve the health inequalities brought to light.

Access the full research report on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation website. Also available are the foundation’s companion piece and the response papers.

- Chris Murakami Noonan, MCF communications associate

FYI, Current plans are for Twin Cities Public Television to air a program focusing on the Oct. 7 presentation in January on its Minnesota Channel. Look for the program listing in November/December on the TPT website. In the near future, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation website will also provide video excerpts of the panel presentation, as well as links to the TPT program.

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Posted by Chris Noonan

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