Together, giving looks good on us.
Since 1974, the Mankato Area Foundation has been a driving force in building a stronger, more connected community through the power of giving. We bring together individuals, families, and organizations who share a commitment to making a lasting impact.
As a trusted and permanent resource, we help donors align their generosity with local needs, ensuring their contributions create meaningful change—today and for generations to come. By providing expert guidance and philanthropic leadership, we empower donors to turn their charitable visions into lasting legacies.

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
COMMUNITY IMPACT
From Insights to Impact
Now complete, the Greater Mankato Inclusivity Study (GMIS) has identified critical themes in community perceptions and experiences surrounding inclusivity and belonging in the Greater Mankato area regarding age, gender, ability, and ethnicity. It is already being used to inform, design and provide services. Read More
50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
Philanthropy Review 2024
Over the past five decades, the Mankato Area Foundation has had the honor of helping individuals with their philanthropic goals. We’ve witnessed the spirit of giving in this community over and over and see the impact of its incredible generosity. This year’s Philanthropy Review tells our story from 1974 through 2024. It features an action-packed timeline, perspectives from founders, former board members and donors as well as stories of impact and gratitude. Plus, you will find highlights of MAF’s role in The Community Collage which celebrates what truly makes our community so special—the people. Thank you for being a part of this journey—past, present and future.
See Philanthropy Review 2023
News & Press
-
28 Jul
MAF receives $30,000 grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Pioneer Bank
Read moreMankato, MN (July 2025) – Pioneer Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines), is pleased to announce that
-
21 Jul
Making donating easier
Read moreMankato Free Press editorial, "Our View" (July 20, 2025) — Thumbs up to the recent efforts by the Mankato Area Foundation to make it easier
-
18 Jul
MAF spurs giving with catalog
Read moreMankato Free Press (July 18, 2025) — Donations are trickling into the Mankato Area Foundation’s new Giving for Good Catalog, which connects donors with more
-
15 Jul
In the news: Giving for Good Catalog
Read more(July 2025) — Mankato Area Foundation joined Radio Mankato, Kato Living and KEYC News Now for an update on this summer's "Giving for Good Catalog".
-
11 Jul
Giving for Good Catalog launches to support local nonprofit needs
Read moreMankato, MN (July 11, 2025) – The Mankato Area Foundation has launched the 2025 Giving for Good Catalog, a community-driven initiative featuring more than 50 local