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This Strategic Plan sets the course for board, committees and staff of the Minnesota Council on Foundations and our work with members and other stakeholders.


Vision

MCF inspires an ever-expanding community of grantmakers to achieve, both individually and collectively, the highest standards of purpose and action.


Mission

To strengthen and expand philanthropy.


Values

 
Integrity We are principled and accountable, and lead by example.
Respect We create positive relationships, listen carefully and communicate clearly.
Inclusivity We welcome and value diverse voices as essential to our success.
Excellence We offer effective and innovative products and services.
Collaboration We connect with others for maximum impact.
Global View We recognize our interdependence with people and organizations around the world.


Goals and Objectives

Lead — Set Standards for the Field

MCF fosters understanding about the field; inspires a commitment to public trust and effective practice; and promotes increased philanthropy.
1. Build commitment among members and other Minnesota grantmakers to uphold the public trust.
2. Foster and advocate for a positive public environment for philanthropy.
3. Enhance grantmaker impact and effectiveness by encouraging inclusive practices, collaboration and public policy engagement.
4. Create initiatives to expand philanthropy in Minnesota.

Serve — Deliver High-Quality Services

MCF, as an effective learning organization, provides valuable services, products and education for members and others in the field.
1. Serve the increasingly diverse needs of members and other customers.
2. Facilitate productive collaboration, sharing and learning among grantmakers to build high-impact member connections.
3. Cultivate our community of grantmakers by using technology for grantmaker connection and sharing.
4. Provide the best source of information representing Minnesota philanthropy.

Build — Ensure Organizational Capacity

MCF is a member-led association with the capacity to achieve its mission and operate its business effectively and efficiently.
1. Uphold exceptional governance, management, inclusive practices and strategic leadership.
2. Be the membership association of choice for grantmaking organizations in Minnesota.
3. Increase the capacity of the organization to meet performance objectives and customer needs.
4. Establish benchmarks and evaluate progress in all areas of work.


 
Key Findings of the 2007 MCF Member Survey
91% of members rank MCF's education role as a top priority for the Council.

Members want MCF to continue its leadership work on principles (86%) and diversity (68%).

70% of members want MCF to add a leadership role as a convener, facilitating joint grantmaker efforts and collaborations.

An increasing number of members (48%) want MCF to provide leadership to the field on public policy engagement. Independent and community/public foundations are most interested in this work.

When provided a list of new service options, members expressed high interest in the creation of "Centers of Excellence" by foundation type (69%) as well as increased programming for experienced grantmakers (61%) and trustees (52%).

66% of members want MCF to increase its efforts to promote and expand philanthropy.

Members continue to have a strong interest (88%) in MCF continuing to educate and inform nonprofits about Minnesota grantmaking through electronic and print publications and its searchable database, MGO.
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