Peer & Issue Networks
Connecting, strengthening and mobilizing Minnesota's philanthropic sector through relationships.
- Events & Programs
Please see the descriptions and staff contacts below and use the sign-up form at the bottom of this page to join a Peer or Issue Network (note: you must be a logged in member to use this sign-up function).
MCF Networks, one of our most popular offerings, provide various ways to gather and learn from your peers across Minnesota. Whether you're looking for a few tips and tools or looking for advice and support, these groups are a perfect way to connect with others to advance your work.
Two Ways to Connect with Peers
MCF offers two ways for you to connect with peers through our Networks.
- View the MCF Events Calendar and register to attend network events.
- MCF Email List Discussion Policies can be viewed here.
View our member networks below and reach out to Jill Chi at jchi@mcf.org to join the peer email list for any network that interests you.
MCF Peer Networks
Administrative Professionals Network: for staff who support internal functions and people, including executive assistants, administrative assistants, and those with governance and operations roles.
- MCF Lead: Brianna Kocka | adminprofessionals@lists.mcf.org
CEO Network: for the leader of MCF member organizations.
- MCF Lead: Susie Brown | ceo@lists.mcf.org
ComMotion Network: for communications and marketing staff.
- MCF Lead: Jill Chi | commotion@lists.mcf.org
Community Foundation Network: for staff or board members taking an active role in operations of community foundations.
- MCF Lead: Katina Mortensen | communityfoundations@lists.mcf.org
Corporate Community Affairs Network: for all corporate foundation and community affairs staff; including a second series of meetings solely for senior executives.
- MCF Lead: Paul Masiarchin | corporatecommunity@lists.mcf.org
Family Foundation Network: for staff or board members taking an active role in operations of family foundations.
- MCF Lead: Jill Chi | familyfoundations@lists.mcf.org
Impact Investing Network: for members interested in making loans or financial investments that create a positive social or environmental, measured impact. Learn about MCF’s other impact investing programs.
- MCF Leads: Paul Masiarchin (network lead) and Susan Hammel (executive in residence) | impactinvesting@lists.mcf.org
Independent Foundation Network: for staff of independent foundations across Minnesota.
- MCF Lead: Paul Masiarchin | independent@lists.mcf.org
Learning and Evaluation Network: for individuals working on learning and evaluation to support foundation success and effectiveness.
- MCF Lead: Chris Oien | learningevaluation@lists.mcf.org
Midwest Independent Community Foundations (MICF) Network: for senior staff and board leaders at small to mid-size independent community foundations that are geographically focused.
- MCF Lead: Katina Mortensen | micf@lists.mcf.org
People of Color (POC) Network: for individuals who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color working in philanthropy.
- MCF Lead: Awale (Wally) Osman | poc@lists.mcf.org
Program Officers Network: for program officers and grantmakers.
- MCF Lead: Paul Masiarchin | programofficers@lists.mcf.org
MCF Issue Networks
Democracy Funders Working Group: for members interested in addressing grantmaking practices, issues, and public policy and systems change related to strengthening democratic systems and civic engagement.
- MCF Lead: May Yang | democracyfunders@lists.mcf.org
Health Funders Network: for members who are interested in examining Minnesota’s landscape for health funders as well as those considering future funding in health-related focus areas.
- MCF Lead: Susie Brown | healthfunders@lists.mcf.org
Minnesota Climate Donor Table: for members interested in learning how philanthropy can respond to climate change.
- MCF Lead: Dave Anderson | mnclimatedonors@lists.mcf.org
Minnesota Disaster Philanthropy Working Group: for members interested in addressing grantmaking, systems, and policy related to disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and long-term community resiliency.
- MCF Lead: Dave Anderson | mndisasterphil@lists.mcf.org
Rural Urban Bridging for Impact Network: for members advancing philanthropic action around Rural Urban Bridging. Connect with this network to advance the work of RUBI in your own communities.
- MCF Lead: Dave Anderson | rubi@lists.mcf.org