MCF Members Launch Bridging & Belonging Fund

Minnesotans are experiencing change at a pace and a depth we haven’t experienced before. Our urban and rural communities are increasingly diverse; new technologies are changing what we view as possible; and we are seeing a proliferation of social, economic, cultural, and political changes. All of which is adding to the vitality of our communities and our state. However, we also see the rapid pace of change stressing our communities and creating more division. We recognize this stress is tearing at Minnesota’s civic fabric. 

We believe experiences of “bridging” and “belonging” help to strengthen our connections within and across our communities, leading to a more civil society. As MCF's Principles for Philanthropy state, "When we commit, together,... there is vast potential for our positive impact." 

For these reasons, since 2023, MCF members have committed to a project called Rural Urban Bridging for Impact (RUBI). Learn more about RUBI online here.

About the Bridging & Belonging Fund

In 2025, MCF members came together to propose a new pooled fund to address the need for bridging and belonging. 

The Bridging & Belonging Fund recognizes many of us are still building our skillsets, tools, and structures to adapt to these changes. The fund is a key strategy to ensure Minnesotans across our broad geographies, differing identities, and rich cultural histories experience a sense of belonging and interdependence.

View a 45-minute video about the fund, recorded October 31, 2025.

The fund defines bridging & belonging as the capacity to bring people together across differences, share stories and aspirations, and build the skills of empathy and understanding required to acknowledge one another’s realities.

The fund supports individual and collective efforts that:

• Build stronger bridges and a sense of belonging across Minnesota, particularly between and within our urban and rural communities.​

• Nurture safety and inclusion in the face of marginalization.

• Ensure philanthropic dollars and impact are being equitably distributed, including in Minnesota’s rural communities.

The Bridging & Belonging Fund is a new pooled fund housed at MCF intended to support organizations/programs to:

• Promote the language and messages that support bridging and belonging

• Bring diverse groups together around challenging issues

• Recognize and change public narratives about our ability to bridge divides

• Support, train, and connect emerging community bridge builders

MCF will make grants to support organizations, initiatives, and activities that promote bridging and belonging.

MCF hopes to raise a minimum of $1 million for distribution in 2026.

Anticipated Grants and Process

MCF anticipates that the Fund will provide grants through an open grant round. Grants will generally be made for one-year terms. Grant reporting will take place through a storytelling process.

MCF will create a small grant review committee to read and score applications and recommend grantees. Contingent on fundraising, MCF intends to open the grant round in early 2026 and move dollars to grantees in the spring. The Bridging and Belonging Fund aspires to help shape the future of Minnesota’s rich and diverse experiences, social fabrics, and community assets.

Because of the documented lack of grant dollars that are distributed in Greater Minnesota, MCF offers the following commitments:

• At least 50% of grant dollars will be distributed to and for Greater Minnesota communities.

• Place-based grantmakers may support the fund through opportunities such as matching funds or geographically-restricted funds to promote bridging in specific communities.

• At least 50% of grant reviewers will be from Greater Minnesota.

Funders of the Bridging & Belonging Fund

We know the strength of Minnesota's philanthropic sector lies in our shared commitment to create positive, lasting change. We want to give a big thank you to the foundations that have already pledged their support. Each contribution helps to unlock additional funding and expands the scale and reach of the Bridging & Belonging Fund.

• Bush Foundation
• John Larsen Foundation
• PFund Foundation
• Women's Foundation of Minnesota

Please consider joining this collective philanthropic effort by contributing to the Bridging & Belonging Fund.

Learn More and Contribute Today

If you have questions or are interested in participating in the Bridging and Belonging Fund, please contact MCF Manager of Policy and Partnerships Dave Anderson at [email protected].

Contributions to the Bridging and Belonging Fund can be made directly as grants or gifts to MCF in any amount. Donors to the Fund will be listed on the MCF website and other MCF communications, unless a donor specifically requests anonymity.