Join the Mankato Area Foundation as we feature Connections Shelter and Partners for Housing for our annual Nonprofit Spotlight event, formerly Friends of Philanthropy.

This year, we are spotlighting two great organizations as they share their story of providing dignity and shelter while guiding individuals and families on a path toward housing stability.

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DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

Generosity. For Good.

A Donor Advised Fund is an effective tool for charitable giving that provides benefits similar to a private or family foundation without the hassles. Donor Advised Funds minimize the worries and administrative burdens of grantmaking, so you can put your time and energy into what really matters: making a meaningful impact on the community, organizations and causes you value.

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WOMEN'S GIVING CIRCLE

Power In Numbers

“And to think it all began over a cup of coffee.”

This is the tagline on the emails from Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) leaders Laura Stevens and Melanie VanRoekel, and it speaks to the power of a single conversation between two friends looking to make a difference in their community.

Indeed, it was a simple cup of coffee that brought Stevens and VanRoekel together at the Coffee Hag in the fall of 2018. The two women chatted about their kids, families and work, but soon the conversation shifted to giving back to a community they care about. Stevens had attended a conference the previous year focused on women in philanthropy, and she still had a pamphlet from the event, which explained the concept of women’s giving circles. VanRoekel took the pamphlet home, did some research and soon called Stevens to say, “I get it. I love it. Let’s do it.”

And thus, the Mankato WGC was born. Learn More