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Non-profit

The Minneapolis Foundation

Website:

www.minneapolisfoundation.org/
Location:

Minneapolis, MN
Tax ID:

41-6029402
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(3)

Budget (2019):

Revenue: $129,527,194
Expenses: $96,740,604
Assets: $812,815,836
Formation:

1915
Type:

Grantmaking Organization
Executive Director:

R.T. Rybak

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The Minneapolis Foundation is a left-of-center grantmaking organization that views the critical race theory-influenced concept of equity as its “responsibility.” 1 In 2021, the foundation distributed $106 million in grants, with 74 percent going to Minnesota-based organizations. 2

Minneapolis Foundation operates the Minneapolis Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund, which funds the City of Minneapolis’s Strategic Racial Equity Action Plan and seeks to embed critical race theory-influenced racial equity principles in the city’s work with the left-of-center McKnight Foundation. 3 4

The Minneapolis Foundation operates several smaller funds which issue micro-grants in the Minneapolis area. 5 6 7 In 2019, the Foundation gave $480,560 to Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 8

History and Leadership

The Minneapolis Foundation was founded in 1915. 9

R.T. Rybak has been the president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation since 2016. 10 Previously Rybak was a founding partner of the left-of-center Generation Next, a coalition of critical race theory-influenced civic, business, and school leaders focused on “racial equity.” 11

Activities and Funding

The Minneapolis Foundation is a left-of-center grantmaking organization that views the critical race theory-inspired concept of equity as its “responsibility.” 12 The foundation provides philanthropic and professional advisory services, 13 looks to insert equity in schools, 14 has said that “being black in America should not be a death sentence,” operates a podcast, 15 and raised $25 million to combat “anti-blackness” in Minnesota following the death of George Floyd in 2020. 16 17

Minneapolis Foundation operates the Minneapolis Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund, which funds the City of Minneapolis’s Strategic Racial Equity Action Plan and seeks to embed critical race theory-influenced racial equity principles in the city’s work with the left-of-center McKnight Foundation and the City of Minneapolis. 18 19 Minneapolis Foundation helped establish the group Operation Allies Welcome Minnesota, a public-private partnership to support Afghan refugees in Minnesota, 20 and supports the  left-of-center Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship. 21 22

Grantmaking

Minneapolis Foundation issues critical race theory-influenced racial and economic justice grants to registered nonprofits, government entities, and religious institutions, with priority given to minority-led groups in Minneapolis and the suburbs of Hennepin County. 23

As of April 2022, Minneapolis Foundation has issued $185,303 in Micro-Grants in 2022. 24  In 2021, the Foundation issued $106 million of grants, with 74 percent of grants going to Minnesota-based organizations. 25

The Minneapolis Foundation also issues “reimagine education” grants 26 and other grants through the Fourth Generation Fund for young philanthropists, 27 the Main Street Economic Revitalization Fund, 28 ONEMPLS Fund, 29 the Fund for Safe Communities, 30 and the Restore | Rebuild | Reimagine Fund. 31 From 2004 to 2020, the Minneapolis Fund operated the Robina Foundation. 32

In 2020, the Minneapolis Foundation issued grants of $1,182,578 to Greater Twin Cities United Way; $1,510,690 for the Center for Economic Inclusion;  $420,250 to Family Tree Foundation; $398,245 from Second Harvest Heartland; $210,750 for the Islamic Civil Society of America; $198,870 for Doctors Without Borders; $188,105 to The New Teacher Project (TNTP); $185,350 for Teach for America; $116,250 to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation; $85,000 from the Asia Society; $76,659 from Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund; $68,200 to the ACLU of Minnesota; $60,000 to the Environmental Defense Fund; $56,250 to the Union of Concerned Scientists; $50,250 to Gender Justice; $48,750 to the Ploughshares Fund; $38,400 to the Sierra Club Foundation; $33,750 to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota; $30,000 to the Montana Budget and Policy Center; $25,000 to Climate Central; $25,000 to Mt. Holyoke College; $22,100 to Planned Parenthood Federation of America; $21,004 to Voices for Racial Justice; $18,500 to the Anti-Defamation League; $17,000 for Project Renewal; $15,500 to the Innocence Project of Minnesota; $15,000 for National Public Radio (NPR); $12,235 for Amnesty International; $10,000 for Equal Justice Works; $10,000 to Massachusetts Institute of Technology; $10,000 to City Year;  $7,500 to Proteus Fund; $7,200 for World Wildlife Foundation; $6,700 to Everytown for Gun Safety; $6,100 to the National Council of Jewish Women; $6,045 to the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis; and others. 33

In 2019, the group gave $480,560 to Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 34

Propel Nonprofits is a subsidiary of the Minneapolis Foundation. In 2018, Minneapolis Foundation completed $1,178,190 of business transactions with Propel Nonprofits. 35 36

The WCA Foundation is a signature fund of the Minneapolis Foundation and has an endowment of $18 million. 37

Funding

Minneapolis Foundation receives funding from individual donors, grants, and program service fees. 38 The Foundation claims 1,658 donors and has more than $1 billion in assets under management. 39

In 2020, the Minneapolis Foundation reported income of $14,518,502 and expenses of $106,120,687. In 2019, the group reported revenue of $129,527,194 and expenses of $96,740,604. 40

Minneapolis Foundation received $18,361 from Global Impact in 2020 and $35,075 in 2017. 41 42 The foundation has also received $25,750 from the Saint Paul Foundation in 2019; 43 $10,000 from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation; 44 and $5,000 from the Raymond James Financial Fund. 45

References

  1. Lemagie, Sarah. “Statement on Police-Involved Death of George Floyd.” Minneapolis Foundation. May 26, 2020. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/community-issues/statement-on-police-involved-death-of-george-floyd/.
  2. “Home.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/.
  3. Lemagie, Sarah. “Supporting Local Action on Climate Change.” April 18, 20219. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/climate/new-charitable-fund-to-support-local-action-on-climate-change/.
  4. Lemagie, Sarah. “Successful First Year with $65,000 in Grants.” Minneapolis Foundation. November 13, 2019. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/climate/minneapolis-climate-action-and-racial-equity-fund-caps-off-successful-first-year-with-65000-in-grants/.
  5. “Funding Opportunities.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 20, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/.
  6. “Main Street Economic Revitalization.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/main-street/.
  7. “Fourth Generation Fund.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/fourth-generation/.
  8.  [1] “The Minneapolis Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2018. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416029402/202000429349301480/full.
  9. “ Our History.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed Aril 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/history/.
  10. “Team.” The Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 12, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/team/.
  11. “Team.” The Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 12, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/team/.
  12. Lemagie, Sarah. “Statement on Police-Involved Death of George Floyd.” Minneapolis Foundation. May 26, 2020. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/community-issues/statement-on-police-involved-death-of-george-floyd/.
  13. “Professional Advisors.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/professional-advisors/.
  14. [1] “Reimagine Education.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/reimagine-education/
  15. “The Podcast.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/podcasts/.
  16. Lemagie, Sarah. “Statement on Police-Involved Death of George Floyd.” Minneapolis Foundation. May 26, 2020. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/community-issues/statement-on-police-involved-death-of-george-floyd/.
  17. Hazzard, Andrew. “’We need a fund that doesn’t see funding Black people as risky’: How three Black leaders are working to change Minnesota philanthropy.” Sahan Journal. December 9, 2021. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://sahanjournal.com/changing-the-narrative/philanthropic-collective-combat-anti-blackness-minnesota-george-floyd-lulete-mola/.
  18. Lemagie, Sarah. “Supporting Local Action on Climate Change.” April 18, 20219. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/climate/new-charitable-fund-to-support-local-action-on-climate-change/.
  19. Lemagie, Sarah. “Successful First Year with $65,000 in Grants.” Minneapolis Foundation. November 13, 2019. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/climate/minneapolis-climate-action-and-racial-equity-fund-caps-off-successful-first-year-with-65000-in-grants/.
  20. “Welcoming Afghan Refugees to Minnesota.” Minneapolis Foundation. February 28, 2022. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/community-issues/welcoming-afghan-refugees-to-minnesota/.
  21. “Supporters.” Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship. November 16, 2018. Accessed April 7, 2022. https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/2018/11/16/supporters/.
  22. “Tweet.” Twitter. Posted July 30, 2018. Accessed April 12, 2022. https://twitter.com/mncompact/status/1023987601697583104?cxt=HHwWgMC12YzT97UcAAAA.
  23. “2022 Racial and Economic Justice Grants.” January 11, 2022. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/stories/racial-and-economic-justice/2022-racial-and-economic-justice-grants/
  24. “Minneapolis Foundation Awards $185,300 in Micro Grants for Community Efforts to Promote Healing, Connection.” Minneapolis Foundation. April 11, 2022. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Micro-Grants-Press-Release-2022.pdf.
  25.  Smith, Kelly. “Minnesota Foundations’ giving remains high after pandemic and racial justice boost in 2020.” https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-foundations-giving-projected-to-flatten-but-at-higher-levels-than-pre-covid/600163421/.
  26. [1] “Funding Opportunities.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 20, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/funding-opportunities/.
  27. “Fourth Generation Fund.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/fourth-generation/.
  28. “Main Street Economic Revitalization.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/main-street/.
  29. “ONEMPLS Fund.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/onempls-fund/.
  30. “Fund for Safe Communities.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/fund-for-safe-communities/.
  31. [1] “Restore |Rebuild |Reimagine Fund.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://restorerebuildreimaginefund.org/.
  32. “Robina Foundation.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/robina-foundation/.
  33. “Minneapolis Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2019. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416029402/202140119349300414/full.
  34. “The Minneapolis Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2018. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416029402/202000429349301480/full.
  35. “Propel Nonprofits.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2017. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/411916337/201802219349301105/full.
  36. “Propel Nonprofits.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2018. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/411916337/202040389349300939/full.
  37. “Fund Information.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://tmf.iphiview.com/tmf/DonatetoAnotherFund/FundInformation/tabid/383/dispatch/accountselection_id$436252_hash$f0211fe9f266f8891cd1218d6a7c9367ddb1a0a0/Default.aspx.
  38. “The Minneapolis Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income tax. (Form 990). 2019. https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/416029402_202003_990_2021040617898079.pdf.
  39. [1] “Home.” Minneapolis Foundation. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/.
  40. “The Minneapolis Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income tax. (Form 990). 2019. https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/416029402_202003_990_2021040617898079.pdf.
  41. Global Impact.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (From 990). 2020. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521273585/202110549349301501/full.
  42. “Global Impact.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2017. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521273585/201941229349300114/IRS990ScheduleI.
  43. “The Saint Paul Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2019. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416031510/202042269349300509/full.
  44. [1] “Monterey Peninsula Foundation.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, (Form 990). 2016. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521273585/202110549349301501/full.
  45. “Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund.” Return of Organization Exempt From income Tax. (Form 990). 2014. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/593652538/201532799349300313/IRS990ScheduleI.
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Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: March - February
  • Tax Exemption Received: September 1, 1926

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2019 Mar Form 990 $129,527,194 $96,740,604 $812,815,836 $55,132,417 Y $72,833,958 $422,777 $14,350,916 $1,705,063 PDF
    2018 Mar Form 990 $147,120,892 $83,454,613 $818,685,750 $55,080,448 Y $104,194,055 $460,556 $12,403,290 $1,657,387 PDF
    2017 Mar Form 990 $98,028,983 $70,849,060 $733,948,041 $51,074,314 Y $77,956,375 $461,528 $12,075,875 $2,093,246 PDF
    2016 Mar Form 990 $83,967,004 $70,745,401 $657,955,063 $46,811,340 Y $53,341,705 $446,545 $12,219,698 $1,414,443 PDF
    2015 Mar Form 990 $89,102,571 $92,966,869 $688,094,114 $41,262,362 Y $56,568,716 $406,248 $12,672,183 $1,567,145 PDF
    2014 Mar Form 990 $121,930,637 $55,490,803 $696,881,873 $38,727,800 Y $94,851,851 $425,209 $11,021,908 $1,011,227 PDF
    2013 Mar Form 990 $67,298,792 $61,301,065 $581,711,207 $32,604,173 Y $36,090,337 $384,735 $10,467,207 $595,501 PDF
    2012 Mar Form 990 $53,487,829 $52,133,121 $569,010,688 $37,661,368 Y $37,730,494 $354,398 $10,873,233 $548,025 PDF
    2011 Mar Form 990 $78,642,700 $53,384,773 $583,047,756 $42,060,353 N $50,134,709 $432,882 $10,443,973 $542,203 PDF

    Additional Filings (PDFs)

    The Minneapolis Foundation

    800 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street
    Minneapolis, MN