Former Mailman Pays it Forward

Mankato Free Press (November 17, 2023) — Talk about building a legacy. Harold and Alice Weed of North Mankato commissioned a sculpture called Delivering For You from Bad River Art Studio in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

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The Mankato Area Foundation receives a National Recognition

KEYC (May 9, 2023) — The Mankato Area Foundation receives a National Recognition. The accreditation comes from the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the country’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence.

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Recreation center to expand with indoor playground

Mankato Free Press (May 1, 2023) — An anonymous donor has given $50,000 to the Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center. The donation came by way of the Mankato Area Foundation and was given to support the recreation center’s indoor playground expansion project.

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Minnesota nonprofits rethink office space as employees opt for hybrid work

Star Tribune (April 29, 2023) — While some companies are downsizing office space to adjust for more remote-working employees, Dean Orton's St. Paul nonprofit added office space and still managed to cut costs — thanks to a unique collaboration.

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Charitable businesses: Nonprofits rely on partnerships

Mankato Free Press (March 13, 2023) — The concept of “corporate culture” has grown in importance as companies face challenges attracting new employees. Increasingly, how businesses support nonprofits in their community is high on the list of questions when potential employees are job hunting.

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Mankato Area Foundation given Emy Frentz Art Guild building

Mankato Free Press (January 18, 2023) — Members of Mankato’s vibrant arts community, at times, have had a tough time finding affordable venues for creating, performing and sharing ideas about their projects. Mankato Area Foundation will alleviate some of that space crunch by opening up its new downtown property for

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Help Teachers, Help Students fund to provide stipend to each MAPS elementary teacher

KEYC (December 14, 2022) — The Mankato Area Foundation says the Help Teachers, Help Students Fund reached its goal of raising over $40,000 to support teachers in the Mankato Area Public School District. The fund will provide a $200 stipend to every elementary school classroom teacher in grades K-5 including

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Mankato Area Foundation grants record $2.4M for the year

Mankato Free Press (December 3, 2022) — The Mankato Area Foundation continues to grow its philanthropic presence, disbursing $2.4 million to local groups this year. “It was an unprecedented, record-breaking year,” said Nancy Zallek, president and CEO. “But it’s not an anomaly. There’s a special sauce in Mankato. The amount

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Building community: Foundation, city offer funds for neighborhood gatherings

Mankato Free Press (November 7, 2022) — Anyone who’d like up to $500 to lease a bounce house for the kids to jump around in, or order some tasty catered sandwiches and salads, or rent one of those inflatable outdoor movie screens, the city of Mankato will soon have a

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Young area musicians can compete for $5,000 in prize money

Mankato Free Press (November 1, 2022) —Area high schoolers will be able to compete for $5,000 in prize money — as well as win an opportunity to perform with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra — during two new competitions on Feb. 25 in St. Peter. Thanks to a gift from the

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