Serve on the MCF Board

Together, We Are MCF

The Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF) is a vibrant philanthropic community connecting, strengthening and mobilizing the power of philanthropy to advance prosperity and equity. Over 150 members represent grantmaking throughout the state, providing millions of dollars and non-financial resources to nonprofits annually. Members include private family and independent foundations, community and other public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs. The MCF Board of Directors governs the organization, and provides leadership to the field of philanthropy.

Lead With Us

The MCF board is comprised of representatives of member organizations who bring diverse experience and perspectives. They are committed to strengthening the organization, serving as ambassadors, and providing leadership in the field of philanthropy. Board members work together to advance MCF’s strategic framework and ensure adherence to the Principles for Philanthropy, including commitments to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism. Board members are supported by MCF’s commitment to inclusive governance culture and practices.

Process and Considerations

The MCF Governance Committee will develop a slate of candidates to be approved by the membership at the Annual Meeting on December 7, 2023. In developing the slate, they will consider a variety of factors including each candidate’s background and experience in the following areas:

• active engagement in MCF activities
• knowledge of and commitment to MCF’s Principles for Philanthropy
• a commitment to MCF’s values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism
• experience with governance or an appetite to learn

In order promote engagement opportunities, MCF asks that only one person from any member organization be represented at a time during their board tenure. If someone from your member organization is already on the MCF board of directors, please refrain from applying at this time. 

Recruitment Priorities

MCF considers its priority areas of diversity when reviewing applicants, which include: race/ethnicity; gender; sexual orientation; ability; and geography. Each year the governance committee determines which areas of diversity will be the priority for the coming year based on current board demographics. Regardless of current recruitment priorities, all MCF members are welcome to apply. For 2024, priorities will include those who:

• identify as disabled 
• identify as LGBTQ+
• identify as a person of color
• live or work in Greater Minnesota
• bring finance skills
• bring legal skills

Note: The MCF board has historically been comprised solely of MCF members. In order to demonstrate our commitment to inclusion and power-sharing, MCF will recruit two new board members to the class of 2024 who are not MCF members. While it is not essential, it will be helpful for those applicants to have some previous familiarity or experience with MCF. The recruitment priorities and application process for members and non-member candidates is identical, except for a small number of application questions that differ.

MCF Board Volunteer Commitment

• attend 4-6 board meetings per year (virtual or in-person)
• participate in at least one MCF Committee (committees typically meet 4-6 times per year)
• complete one or two 3-year term(s)

2024 MCF Board Application and Process

• The MCF Board Application closed at 5:00 pm on July 31, 2023 - thank you for your interest!
• Preview the board application questions.

The application process will include: applicant review by the Governance Committee; select candidate interviews; approval of slate by the board of directors; and approval by the MCF membership at the December Annual Meeting. 

If you have questions or need assistance completing the application form, please contact MCF Governance and Operations Manager, Brianna Kocka at 612.335.3559 or email bkocka@mcf.org.

Application Deadline

July 31, 2023 at 5:00 pm CST

Learn More

View current MCF Board Directors and Officers