A Tale of Two Cities: Why MCF Is Launching the Equity, Belonging, Diversity & Inclusion (EBDI) Institute

A message from Michelle Maryns, MCF President

In my first 90 days as MCF’s new president, I’ve had the honor of connecting with the many diverse members of our philanthropic community and learned more about the challenges we’re facing together in our ecosystem. One of the factors that moved me to join MCF is its vision of thriving Minnesota communities supported by equitable, effective, and principled philanthropy. This organizational vision was compelling to me because it aligned so much with my own personal mission and purpose.

Cultivating More Equitable Ecosystems

My parents were part of the first wave of refugees who immigrated to the U.S. after the fall of Saigon in 1975 and we ended up in a rural area of Kansas. It was thanks to the philanthropic spirit of our neighbors, faith community, and other nonprofits (supported by grants and donations), that my parents were able to secure a home, a car, and jobs that provided us with access to the food and healthcare we needed to thrive. But in some ways our community was a tale of two cities. While most people were generous, there were also people who did not treat us well because we looked different from them. People threw trash on the floor where my dad worked and forced him to pick it up even though it was not in his job description. My mom experienced sexual harassment. As children, we were told not to answer the door because there were sometimes scary people out there trying to intimidate us into non-existence. All of us had experiences at various times in our lives where we could not access the jobs, sense of safety, or other resources we needed because of how we looked. 

I learned that we were not alone–that other families and communities also experienced inequities based on their race, place, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or other identity.

The public library (supported by philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie) was my sanctuary because books opened my mind to other worlds and perspectives. I learned that we were not alone–that other families and communities also experienced inequities based on their race, place, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or other identity. It became my personal mission to educate and equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to join others in cultivating more equitable and healthy ecosystems where resources flow to where they are needed.

I share this story now because I know many of you are facing your own version of “two cities”—navigating between commitment and caution, between values and perceived risk. Across the country, EBDI work faces renewed resistance. Some organizations are quietly stepping back. Others are speaking louder. Many are somewhere in between—still committed, but seeking clarity about how to move forward with courage and coherence. At MCF, we’re choosing to stand with you and strengthen our commitment precisely because the work is hard right now. These issues are complex and require all of us in the ecosystem collaborating to cultivate the future we want for our children.

This is the reason why my career has spanned across sectors ranging from federal government, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropy—because effective change requires us to be bridge builders. We all have a role to play and will need to build bridges across sectors, interests, and other differences to make our shared vision a reality.

Announcing MCF’s EBDI Institute

I’m excited to be joining the MCF community to actualize this vision and live out the MCF Principles of Philanthropy by focusing on Principle #4: Equity & Justice. The new EBDI Institute will provide multiple pathways for you to engage at every stage of your journey by offering four core programs and resources: Experiential Leadership Lab, Center for Organizational Learning & Practice, Rural Urban Bridging for Impact (RUBI), and the People of Color & LGBTQ+ Communities of Practice. 

Whether you’re leading or supporting EBDI efforts at your foundation as a staff member or serving as a board trustee, this work belongs to all of us. 

At our virtual MCF Annual Meeting of Members on December 3, Awale (Wally) Osman (MCF’s Director of Organizational Learning & Leadership Development for Equity & Belonging) will unveil the new EBDI Institute with its resources, community support, and programs designed specifically for bridge builders like you who are navigating the complexity of this work. Whether you’re leading or supporting EBDI efforts at your foundation as a staff member or serving as a board trustee, this work belongs to all of us. MCF’s EBDI Institute is here to support you on your journey. I look forward to seeing you virtually on December 3, in-person at the February 11-12 Annual Conference, and at other MCF opportunities in the new year!