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.
- Interactive Network Events – MCF regularly hosts Member Network meetings by common identity or role (Peer Networks) and around common issue or action (Issue Networks). Networks allow us to learn together, collaborate on common issues, and build strength in numbers. They serve as an opportunity for individuals to connect with one another, see what work is happening in other organizations, and foster collaborative programming and development opportunities. View the MCF Events Calendar and register to attend network events.
- Online Community – MCF offers convenient communications for each Network, through peer email lists. Members may use peer email lists to request assistance, pose questions or share opportunities, answer questions, share files, documents and best practices, and discuss relevant, timely issues about philanthropy. 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 at MCF member organizations, 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
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Network: for individuals who work wholly or partially toward advancing DEI in their organizations
- MCF Lead: Awale (Wally) Osman | DEI@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
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
Impact Investing Network: for members exploring or engaging in impact investing. Read more about MCF’s leadership around impact investing.
- MCF Lead: Paul Masiarchin | impactinvesting@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 practices, issues, and gaps or opportunities in 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 exploring advancing philanthropic action around Rural Urban Bridging. Connect with this network to learn how to the begin the work of RUBI in your own communities.
- MCF Lead: Dave Anderson | rubi@lists.mcf.org