MCF’s Member Experience Survey Reveals Strong Member Satisfaction

This spring, MCF conducted our bi-annual Member Experience Survey. Responses provide valuable insight to MCF board and staff into what's working, what's needed, and what's possible for the future.

The survey is one way that MCF measures our value to members. MCF also conducts various individual program evaluations and feedback surveys. Together, these tools help MCF determine future programming and member benefits.

In 2026, a total of 77 members responded to the Member Experience Survey, providing a strong sense about perceived strengths and opportunities for future action.

What You Value Most About MCF

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1. Peer connections, networking, and peer-to-peer learning
   This is one of the strongest recurring themes across all questions. Respondents highly value peer connections, networking, and collaborative spaces, and want even more structured and deeper opportunities (beyond surface-level convening).
2. Professional development, education, and training
   There is strong demand for ongoing education and information sharing, including webinars, skill-building trainings, real-world examples, and continued engagement on a variety of topics such as AI, rapid response, EBDI (equity, belonging, diversity, and inclusion), and transfer of wealth.
3. Sector trends, news, and data
   Members value timely, relevant information about the sector, grantmaking trends, peer activities, and peer benchmarking.
4. Advocacy, policy engagement, and crisis response
   There is a clear expectation for sector-wide advocacy, guidance on how members can advocate, and public policy leadership including navigating the status of state and federal government actions. This is especially important around philanthropy’s response to crises.
5. Sector leadership, coordination, and convening
   Closely related but distinct from networking, members share a desire for MCF to continue to focus on sector leadership and coordination. Respondents want MCF to act as a central convener and leader, especially in times of crisis or change.

What You Named as Opportunities for MCF

1. Increase awareness of MCF’s offerings
   Members cite the opportunity to increase onboarding for new members and for more promotion of the various offerings from MCF. The survey served as a good reminder for some members about MCF’s programs and member benefits. MCF has an opportunity to do a better job of telling our own story and sharing our actions more clearly.
2. Desire for inclusivity of viewpoints and geographies
   Members value the state’s breadth of communities, types of foundations, and mix of viewpoints. There is a call to remember MCF’s commitment, “We are a diverse and inclusive philanthropic community, and that is our power.” Members mention specific opportunities for MCF to pay attention to, including the stubbornly low rate of grantmaking to Greater Minnesota, the divisive political landscape, and the need for greater collaboration across the philanthropic sector.

Overall Satisfaction

Across the questions, MCF members overwhelmingly express satisfaction with MCF’s programs and gratitude for MCF’s staff. Over the coming months, MCF staff and board will take time to understand the feedback and integrate various suggestions. Thank you to all members who took the time to share your feedback.