Community. For Good.
At the Mankato Area Foundation, we work as a knowledgeable and innovative resource that promotes philanthropy and drives transformative action to strengthen our region and improve lives.
For our region, we serve as a grantmaker and collaborative partner. As a resource for nonprofit groups within the Greater Mankato region, we invest in the agencies and organizations working to address our communities' opportunities and challenges.


We offer a variety of grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Mankato Region.
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Our online directory serves as a resource for donors and grantmakers by providing all-encompassing and searchable information about the nonprofit organizations in the region.
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We partner with local nonprofits to offer a variety of funds and services to help support organizations as they work towards their mission.
LEARN MOREDONOR 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
Supporting the Scene and Unseen
It doesn’t take much effort to feel the expansive presence of the arts in Mankato.
Look up near the river, and you’ll see a 135-foot tall mural of children painted on silos by internationally-renowned artist Guido van Helten.
Walk along the streets downtown, and you’ll see awe-inspiring sculptures on every corner, teasing your senses and admittedly leaving you feeling a bit unsatisfied until you complete the entire CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour every year. Read More
News & Press
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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
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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
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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
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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".
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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