Together giving looks good on us.
Since 1974, the Mankato Area Foundation has been dedicated to building a community of individuals who believe in the strength of giving. We continue today to shape Greater Mankato through connecting acts of giving with our community’s needs. As a permanent, trusted resource, donors look to the Mankato Area Foundation to help them make their charitable giving more effective. The Mankato Area Foundation is impacting individuals in our communities now and for generations to come by providing the expertise to help donors nurture their philanthropic dreams and shape their legacy.
Our Mission
The Mankato Area Foundation is a trusted resource that connects donors with causes they care about, provides funding to enhance our region, and serves as a collaborative community partner.
Our Vision
We work as a knowledgeable and innovative community foundation that promotes philanthropy and drives transformative action to strengthen our region and improve lives.

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.
Telling Our Story
Mankato Area Foundation History
Building a Rock Solid Foundation
When the president and CEO of Mankato Area Foundation (MAF), Nancy (Taylor) Zallek, was growing up in Mankato, she always envisioned she would one day take over her father’s family business—Brett’s Department Store. And she was on that path, in fact, from 1982 until it was forced to close in 1992. Learn More
News & Press
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14 Dec
Help Teachers, Help Students fund to provide stipend to each MAPS elementary teacher
Read moreKEYC (December 14, 2022) — The Mankato Area Foundation says the Help Teachers, Help Students Fund reached its goal of raising over $40,000 to support
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03 Dec
Mankato Area Foundation grants record $2.4M for the year
Read moreMankato Free Press (December 3, 2022) — The Mankato Area Foundation continues to grow its philanthropic presence, disbursing $2.4 million to local groups this year.
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30 Nov
Mustache Bash Ends Men’s Health Month
Read moreKEYC (November 30, 2022) — Since 2017, the Jonathan Zierdt Cancer Fund has engaged the community in bringing awareness of men’s health, especially cancer prevention
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07 Nov
Building community: Foundation, city offer funds for neighborhood gatherings
Read moreMankato Free Press (November 7, 2022) — Anyone who’d like up to $500 to lease a bounce house for the kids to jump around in,
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01 Nov
Young area musicians can compete for $5,000 in prize money
Read moreMankato Free Press (November 1, 2022) —Area high schoolers will be able to compete for $5,000 in prize money — as well as win an