Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for Coronavirus

Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) for Coronavirus

Background and Overview

In March 2020, the Minnesota Council on Foundations and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation convened to discuss the impact of a potential coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the state of Minnesota. The outcome of the discussion led to the inception of the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) for coronavirus, created to support community needs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Funds were primarily raised through philanthropic entities. In total, over $11 million was raised for this fund. This grant opportunity is now closed and all dollars have been distributed.

Grant rounds were intended to support the recovery and resilience of Minnesota's nonprofit sector. The MDRF envisions a nonprofit sector that is strong, vibrant, equitable and able to deliver in many ways that strengthen our communities, including arts and culture, social services, basic needs, advocacy, education, health and wellbeing, and more, during the pandemic and into the future.

About the Minnesota Council on Foundations and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Partnership

MCF hosted, convened and facilitated strategic decision-making guided by the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for coronavirus’ Advisory Committee. Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation partnered with MCF to collect and hold fund contributions in the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for coronavirus—until the time of distribution. 

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is the largest community foundation in Minnesota. Established in 1940, the Foundation now stewards $1.6 billion in charitable assets to benefit communities across the state. Each year, the Foundation and its donors make over 8,500 grants to agents and agencies of change in the nonprofit sector. 

Eligibility

The MDRF provided grants to community intermediaries. Community intermediaries re-granted the funds as general operating support to nonprofit organizations and/or provided technical assistance to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota. Eligible community intermediaries supported multiple nonprofit organizations and had a history and proven capacity to serve in this role. Community intermediaries may include, but were not limited to, the following: community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, tribal nations, collaboratives, coalitions, networks, associations, or technical assistance providers. Eligible technical assistance providers delivered services to nonprofits in areas such as financial management, legal assistance, fundraising, language translation, navigating public programs, and nonprofit management. Note: Only community intermediaries that support nonprofits were considered -- applications that propose re-granting dollars to individuals or small businesses were ineligible.

The MDRF allocated grants through community intermediaries because they have a deep understanding of the needs in their communities and the relationships to distribute resources quickly and effectively to a wide range of nonprofit organizations.

MDRF Learnings Report

As a community of learners, we collaborated with the consulting firm Seiche to produce the 2021 Learnings Report, which highlights stories of impact, issue areas funded and interviews with grantees and grant makers. The report narrates perspectives of past, present and future learning opportunities throughout this experience.

View and download the MDRF Learnings Report.

MDRF Advisory Committee

The MDRF Advisory Committee provided recommendations to fund community intermediaries, while Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation held the final granting authority decision. 

Advisory Committee Representatives

  • Blandin Foundation
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation
  • Bush Foundation
  • Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
  • F.R. Bigelow Foundation
  • Headwaters Foundation for Justice
  • Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies
  • Medtronic Foundation
  • Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
  • Minnesota Council on Foundations (Facilitators)
  • Northwest Minnesota Foundation
  • Office of Governor Tim Walz
  • Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation (Facilitators)           
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • The Minneapolis Foundation
  • Willmar Area Community Foundation/CommunityGiving
  • Youthprise

Quick Facts About the Fund

  • 100% of fund contributions were distributed to community intermediaries for disaster recovery efforts in the state of Minnesota
  • Any remaining MDRF funds will be dedicated to recovery efforts for future disasters in Minnesota, after coronavirus needs are met
  • No fees were taken by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation or the Minnesota Council on Foundations for this work
  • Funds went directly to community intermediaries, such as community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, tribal nations, collaboratives, coalitions, networks, associations, or technical assistance providers, as directed by the MDRF Advisory Committee and determined by Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

 

Learn More

Philanthropic entities interested in contributing to the MDRF for coronavirus

Contact Susie Brown, MCF President at 612.335.3557. 

MDRF Advisory Committee Questions

Contact Katina Mortensen, Director of Public Policy at 612.335.3597.
 

Funder Resources 

Visit MCF's Coronavirus Resources page for more tools available for grantmakers
 

Funders of the MDRF

Our thanks to these funders:

  • Aroha Philanthropies
  • ARR Family Foundation
  • Associated Bank
  • Bentson Foundation
  • Best Buy
  • Better Way Foundation
  • Blandin Foundation
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation
  • Boston Scientific Foundation
  • Bush Foundation
  • Catholic Community Foundation
  • Cargill Foundation
  • Charlson Foundation
  • Carlson Family Foundation
  • Dorsey and Whitney Trust Co.
  • Edward & Markell C. Brooks Fund from the Minneapolis Foundation
  • Engelsma Family Foundation
  • F.R. Bigelow Foundation
  • George C. Power Jr. Family Fund at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
  • George Family Foundation
  • GHR Foundation
  • Hardenbergh Foundation
  • Hawkins, Inc.
  • Hugh J. Andersen Foundation
  • Isora Wells Foundation
  • John Larsen Foundation
  • Julie and Kirk Cousins Foundation
  • Land O'Lakes Foundation
  • Lulu Foundation
  • Mardag Foundation
  • McKnight Foundation
  • Medtronic Foundation
  • Myers Communications Group, LLC
  • Minnesota Bank and Trust
  • Minnesota Vikings Foundation
  • Northwest Area Foundation
  • Pohlad Family Foundation
  • Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
  • Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
  • Securian Foundation
  • Stiles Foundation
  • Sundance Family Foundation
  • Target Foundation
  • TCF Bank Foundation
  • The Deam Family Charitable Gift Fund
  • The Maragret A. Cargill Fund at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
  • The Otto Bremer Trust
  • The Van Lengerich Foundation
  • Thielen Foundation
  • Thrivent
  • United Healthcare
  • Wells Fargo Foundation
  • Wilf Family Foundation
  • Winnebago Industries Foundation
  • Women's Foundation of Minnesota
  • Woodbury Community Foundation

Round 1 Grants

Eleven community intermediaries were granted $2 million from the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for coronavirus. Below is the list of grantees and amounts granted for March 27, 2020:

Coalition of Asian American Leaders ($200,000)
Populations served: Asian Minnesotan nonprofits (statewide)

CommunityGiving ($150,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits serving vulnerable populations (Central MN)

Heading Home MN Funders Collaborative ($350,000)
Populations served: Nonprofit homeless service providers (statewide)

Initiative Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits providing basic needs for vulnerable populations (Central MN)

Northland Foundation ($600,000)*
Populations served: Childcare providers offering services to essential workers (Greater MN)

*Minnesota Initiative Foundations application submitted on behalf of the Northland Foundation, West Central Initiative, Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and Northwest Minnesota Foundation

Northwest Minnesota Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits and small businesses with short-term needs (Northwest MN)

PFund ($100,000)
Populations served: LGBTQIA individuals and families, nonprofits and small businesses (statewide)

Southwest Initiative Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits providing basic needs for vulnerable populations (Southwest MN)

Springboard for the Arts ($50,000)
Populations served: Artists, with specific focus on black, indigenous and people of color; LGBTQIA; and disability community (statewide)

Think Small ($200,000)
Populations served: Licensed family childcare providers (Twin Cities)

Youthprise ($200,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits supporting youth nutrition and distance learning, with specific focus on black and indigenous people of color (statewide)

Round 2 Grants

Fourteen community intermediaries were granted $2.1 million in this round. Below is the list of grantees for April 3, 2020:

CAPI USA ($150,000)
Populations served: Support for immigrant-led nonprofits and individuals with disabilities. Provides technical assistance and support for those with limited English proficiency (Statewide)

CLUES ($400,000)
Populations served: Support for Latino families and organizations who need financial support for basic needs (Statewide)

Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations in emergency and basic needs (Northeast Minnesota)

Headwaters Foundation for Justice ($50,000)
Populations served: Small nonprofits with a specific focus on assisting black and indigenous people of color, LGBTQ and low-income individuals (Statewide)

Hunger Solutions Minnesota ($250,000)
Populations served: Support for nonprofit food shelves and hunger relief (Statewide)

Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) ($200,000)
Populations served: Grants for Latinx and undocumented small business owners (Statewide)

Lower Sioux Indian Community ($200,000)
Populations served: Direct financial relief for tribal members (Redwood County)

Northland Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for small businesses considered critical to the community (Northeast Minnesota)

Northside Funders Group ($150,000)
Populations served: Grants for BIPOC-led small businesses in North Minneapolis (Minneapolis)

Propel Nonprofits and Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Minnesota Chapter ($200,000)
Populations served: Support for mosques/centers to serve as a community spaces and service centers (Statewide)

Rochester Area Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits impacted by coronavirus (Rochester/Olmsted County)

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for nonprofits that focus on essential needs (Southern Minnesota)

The Arc Minnesota, Inc. ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for individuals and families with children with disabilities (Statewide)

Violence Free Minnesota (and partners) ($250,000)
Populations served: Financial assistance for victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence (Statewide)

Round 3 Grants

Twenty-two place-based community foundations were awarded a total of $820,000 to support their local communities on April 21, 2020:

  • Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region
  • CommunityGiving
  • Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
  • Eagan Foundation
  • Eden Prairie Community Foundation
  • Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation
  • Golden Valley Community Foundation
  • Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation
  • Initiative Foundation
  • Luverne Area Community Foundation
  • Mankato Area Foundation
  • Northfield Shares
  • Northland Foundation
  • Northwest Minnesota Foundation
  • Richfield Community Foundation
  • Rochester Area Foundation
  • Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
  • Southwest Initiative Foundation
  • St. Croix Valley Community Foundation
  • West Central Initiative
  • Winona Community Foundation
  • Woodbury Community Foundation

In addition, $1.2 million was awarded to the following intermediaries:

Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa ($50,000)
Populations served: Tribal members and their families (North East Metro)

Headwaters Foundation for Justice ($50,000)
Populations served: Small nonprofits with a specific focus on assisting black and indigenous people of color, LGBTQ and low-income individuals (Statewide)

Hmong American Partnership ($100,000)
Populations served: Support for communities of color and immigrant-owned small businesses (Twin Cities)

International Institute of Minnesota ($50,000)
Populations served: Financial assistance and case management for individuals and families (Twin Cities)

Minneapolis Jewish Federation ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for Jewish individuals and families and nonprofit organizations in crisis (Twin Cities)

Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging ($100,000)
Populations served: Nonprofits and small businesses serving older adults and individuals with disabilities (South West MN)

MN Immigrant Family Fund/Navigate ($250,000)
Populations served: Individuals and families (Statewide)

Nexus Community Partners ($100,000)
Populations served: Black and Indigenous People of Color who own cooperatives and small businesses
(Twin Cities)

Northside Achievement Zone ($50,000)
Populations served: Financial and basic needs support for individuals and families (North Minneapolis)

OutFront ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for individuals and families (Twin Cities)

St. Paul Jewish Federation ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for Jewish agencies and programs (St. Paul Metro)

The Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota ($100,000)
Populations served: Individuals and families (focus on undocumented) through parishes and Catholic schools (St. Paul Metro)

Tiwahe Foundation ($100,000)
Populations served: American Indian individuals (Twin Cities)

Tubman ($30,000)
Populations served: Direct financial relief for individuals and families (Twin Cities)

White Earth Reservation Housing Authority ($100,000)
Populations served: Support for tribal members and their families (North West MN)
 

Round 4 Grants

On June 3, 2020, 20 organizations were awarded over $3 million; with $2 million awarded to organizations supporting nonprofit recovery and community resilience in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) community which is facing a high COVID impact, systemic racism, and a community in need of repair and healing. $1.1 million was awarded to support additional nonprofit recovery efforts across the state. Grantee organizations included:

African American Leadership Forum ($250,000)
Populations served: Community-based, nonprofit, Black-led and serving organizations that provide business support, training and education programming (Twin Cities)

Alliance for Metropolitan Stability ($250,000)
Populations served: Support for community-based advocacy and immediate needs related to Covid-19 (Twin Cities)

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging ($100,000)
Populations served: Covid-19 response funds to support critical service, technology, organizational development, homeless and/or Native American elders (Northland MN)

Central MN Council on Aging ($100,000)
Populations served: Support to nonprofit organizations that have unmet Covid-19 needs for older adults and family caregivers (Central MN)

Community and Economic Development Associates ($50,000)
Populations served: Provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations in rural communities (Statewide)

East Side Funders Group ($250,000)
Populations served: Recovery support for BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations (Saint Paul, MN)

Forum of Regional Arts Councils of Minnesota ($250,000)
Populations served: Technical assistance for arts organizations (Statewide)

Minnesota Children's Alliance ($140,000)
Populations served: Technical assistance to CACs to support public health and child safety (Statewide)

Minnesota Employment Services Consortium ($250,000)
Populations served: Workforce development services to diverse groups (Statewide)

Minnesota State Bar Foundation ($100,000)
Populations served: Support to provide pro bono attorney assistance to nonprofit organizations during Covid-19 (Statewide)

Minnesota Voice ($150,000)
Populations served: Partner support to provide assistance with programming, training and equipment (Statewide)

Northwest Regional Development Commission/Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging ($100,000)
Populations served: Support for organizations providing grocery and supply delivery for senior centers, caregivers and community organizations (West Central MN)

Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians ($150,000)
Populations served: Support for reservation nonprofit and service organizations to advance recovery due to Covid-10 (Northwest MN)

Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood & Amherst H. Wilder Foundation ($200,000)
Populations served: Emergency funding for community-based, school-based, parent and public partners (Twin Cities)

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging ($100,000)
Populations served: Improved nutrition support services for rural communities and support for volunteers and older adults impacted by Covid-19 (Southern MN)

Springboard for the Arts ($20,000)
Populations served: Support for rural recovery network, convenings and economic development efforts (Statewide)

Summit Academy OIC ($150,000)
Populations served: Support to build community response infrastructures (Twin Cities)

Women's Foundation of Minnesota ($250,000)
Populations served: Support transformative recovery through the Covid-19 Women and Girls Response Fund (Statewide)

Youthprise ($250,000)
Populations served: Support to youth-serving organizations and programs (Statewide)

Round 5 Grants

Twenty-seven community organizations were granted $2.3 million from the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for coronavirus. This was the fifth and final round of grantees. Below is the list of grantees and amounts granted for August 18, 2020:

Asian American Organizing Project ($150,000)
Populations served: Recovery support for Asian-American communities (Twin Cities).

Asian Media Access ($100,000)
Populations served: Funds will support “Bicultural Healthy Living” and "Cultural Intelligent Framework" to help BIPOC community members to heal appropriately (State-wide).

Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project dba Standpoint ($150,000)
Populations served: Funds will be used to provide support for women who are victims of domestic violence (State-wide).

Chisholm Community Foundation ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Northland, Minnesota (Northeast, MN).

Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Northland, Minnesota (Northeast, MN).

Greater Twin Cities United Way ($100,000)
Populations served: Funds will support the emotional health and well-being of community partners (Twin Cities).  

Hibbing Foundation ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Northland, Minnesota (Northeast, MN).

Initiative Foundation ($50,000)
Populations served: Support for nonprofit technical assistance (Northeast, MN).

Lake Street Council ($150,000)
Populations served: Support for community organizations on the Lake Street corridor (Twin Cities).

Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota ($150,000)
Populations served: Support for Lao-American children and families in Minnesota (State-wide).

Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities ($150,000)
Populations served: Technical assistance and operating resilience support for human service nonprofits (Twin Cities).

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe ($150,000)
Populations served: Funds will go support the recovery of a tribal nation with goals rooted in self-sufficiency (East Central, MN).

Minnesota Homeownership Center ($150,000)
Populations served: Technical support for Minnesota home ownership (State-wide).

Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation ($100,000)
Populations served: Technical assistance support for providers in service to the community (State-wide).

Minnesota State Bar Foundation ($100,000)
Populations served: Legal support services for nonprofit organizations (State-wide).

Northland Foundation ($200,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Northland, Minnesota (Northeast, MN).

Northwest Minnesota Foundation ($68,980.05)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Bemidji, Minnesota (Northeast, MN).

Propel Nonprofits ($250,000)
Populations served: Recovery funds for nonprofit organizations (State-wide)

Rice County Area United Way ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Southern Minnesota (Southeast, MN).

Shoreview Community Foundation ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery to support communities in Shoreview, Minnesota (Twin Cities, MN)

Southwest Initiative Foundation ($100,000)
Populations served: Technical assistance to support nonprofit organizations (Southwest, MN).

United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery to support communities in Douglas & Pope counties (West Central, MN).

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, Inc. ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Northland, Minnesota (Northeast, MN).

United Way of Steele County ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Steele County, Minnesota (Southeast, MN).

United Way of the Brown County Area, Inc. ($20,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Brown County, Minnesota (Southeast, MN).

Waseca Area Foundation ($20,000)
Populations served: Technical assistance support that brings nonprofit organizations into the digital marketplace (Southeast, MN).

United Way of Cass-Clay ($40,000)
Populations served: Recovery for communities within Clay County, Minnesota (Northwest, MN).