CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

The Mankato Area Foundation is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024! Over the past five decades, we’ve witnessed the spirit of giving in this community and have had the privilege to help individuals with their philanthropic goals. To mark this milestone, we are sharing 50 years of significant events, contributions and donors who have made an impact with their generosity and commitment to doing good. We look forward to what the future will bring. 

The First Decade 1974-1983
The First Decade 1974-1983

During the first decade, the MAF Board worked hard to share their vision and increase community support. They identified key community initiatives and raised the funds necessary to bring those projects and programs to fruition. Once a project was complete and funds had been distributed, they identified the next goal for community impact and began the process again to raise significant donations. Through this “community chest” model, the Foundation was able to successfully undertake a variety of projects that are still visible today.

1974

Mankato Area Foundation Incorporates

1976

Minnesota Valley Regional Library
Rocks & Fountain Area

1977

Public Affairs Institute: Energy Seminar, $2,000

1978+

Williams-Minneopa Outdoor Learning Center, $400,000

1979

Public Affairs Institute: Economic Future Seminar, $2,000

1982

Mankato Heart Health

1983

Leadership Mankato Area Established Program to Train Emerging and Future Community Leaders
 
MSU South Central Regional Science Fair

The Second Decade 1984-1993
The Second Decade 1984-1993

Entering the second decade, the “community chest” model continued. The Foundation’s leadership became increasingly proactive in fundraising for specific initiatives and local projects and programs. As time passed, local donors embraced the concept and the Foundation continued to grow.

1984

Mankato Summer Band – Band Shell, $3,000
 
Mankato International Festival National Flags
 
Welcome Signs “Where Rivers and People Meet”
 
Minnesota Valley Regional Library

1985

Wilson Scholarship Fund Established
 
Williams-Minneopa Outdoor Learning Center, $259,225

1986

Mankato Heart Health Cookbook, $5,000
 
Mankato Youth Symphony, $300

1987

Ogden and Jane Confer Scholarship Fund Established
 
Mankato Teen Center, $589
 
Mankato Sister City Program, $3,222
 
Mankato Youth Symphony, $300
 
Leadership Mankato Area, $850

1988

Dakota Indian Statue, $100
 
Suzuki School of Music, $100
 
Lancer Marching Band Uniforms, $2,100
 
Heritage Center, $10,000

1989

Mankato Youth Symphony, $150
 
Blue Earth County Heritage Center, $4,000

1990

Habitat for Humanity, $100
 
Walk Around Downtown Beautification. $25,000
 
Blue Earth County Heritage Center, $2,305
 
Lincoln Park Restoration, $10,289

1991

Red Jacket Trail, $5,000
 
Youth in Government Scholarship, $200
 
Sunken Garden, $2,976

1992

Sunken Garden $3,024
 
Mankato Arts Council – Carnegie Arts Center, $4,000
 
Minnesota Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, $200
 
Youth in Government Scholarship, $210
 
Lancers, $400

1993

Salvation Army, $200
 
Minnesota Valley Regional Library, $1,000
 
Red Jacket Trail, $5,000
 
Youth in Government Scholarship, $210

The Third Decade 1994-2003
The Third Decade 1994-2003

The third decade began and ended with major gifts, one private and one corporate, that set the stage for the Foundation’s rapid growth as we entered the 21st century. Early in the decade, a significant endowed gift from a local donor allowed the organization to nearly triple in asset size. The effects of this gift were threefold: more and larger grants could be distributed, funding began to include expanded social causes, and a need emerged to develop a more structured board governance system. The board also made the decision to transition from raising money for specific projects to increasing the asset size of the Foundation so that granting could be distributed through income from investments- ensuring that funds will exist into perpetuity. Toward the end of the decade, MAF became the philanthropic vehicle for a local technology corporation seeking a partner to assist them in establishing a donor-advised fund to facilitate their philanthropy. Grants focused in the area of science, engineering and technology education became the focus of this new fund and the Foundation has been able to award significant grants in that area.

1994

Youth in Government Scholarship, $210

1995

Council for Health Action Promotion, $5,000
 
Ogden W. and Jane M. Confer Scholarship, $2,000
 
Mankato Area Youth Hockey Association, $1000

1996

Mankato Symphony Orchestra Steinway Restore, $4,338
 
Mankato International Festival, $1,000
 
Mankato Area Skateboard Association, $500

1997

Council for Health Action Promotion, $3,450
 
Bethany Lutheran College – Ruth and Chris Faye Scholarship, $25,000
 
Mankato Area Youth Hockey Association, $1,000
 
Mankato International Festival, $1,000
 
Mankato Arts Council – Carnegie Arts Center Door Replacement, $4,000

1998

Minnesota Valley Regional Library Film Restoration, 2,500
 
Merely Players Portable Lighting Equipment, $3,450
 
Loyola Audio System, $1,000
 
St. Peter North Field Trip, $900
 
Business and Education Succeeding Together Virtual Tours, $2,400

1999

East High School United Against Prejudice – Peer Mediation Training, $1,200
 
Mankato Symphony Concert Scholarship, $5,000
 
Youth in Government Scholarship, $335