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.
More than 170 members represent grantmaking throughout the state, providing millions of dollars and non-financial resources to nonprofits annually. Members include family and private independent foundations, community and other public foundations, and corporate foundations and giving programs.
Lead With Us
Serving as a volunteer on the MCF board of directors is an opportunity to build relationships across MCF’s diverse membership, express leadership and influence in the field of philanthropy, and gain personal and professional growth. From Program Manager to Executive Director, Administrative Assistant to COO, all are welcome to apply to join the MCF board.
Considerations
MCF seeks board candidates who are committed to collectively advancing prosperity and equity, practicing the values named in MCF’s Principles for Philanthropy, and leading by example in Minnesota’s philanthropic sector.
MCF welcomes applicants who:
- Are employed by or serve on the board of a MCF member organization
- Bring diverse experience and perspectives
- Have an interest in service and governance
- Have a commitment to strengthening MCF and the field of philanthropy, and
- Have knowledge about philanthropy’s role in the community
MCF board members do not receive compensation for their service. Expense reimbursement will be available to those for whom costs related to serving on the board create barriers to participation.
Recruitment Priorities
MCF is committed to building a diverse board comprised of individuals from different backgrounds and with a range of experiences and viewpoints. MCF considers its priority elements of equity and belonging when reviewing applicants, which include: race and ethnicity; gender; sexual orientation; ability; and geography. For the class of 2027, we are actively seeking individuals in the following areas to ensure we have a well-rounded, diverse board:
Skills
- Legal
- Public Policy
Membership Representation
- Corporate members
- Greater Minnesota
- New voices to philanthropy
Identity
- BIPOC
- LGBTQIA+
We are especially interested in people who identify with the priorities underlined above. MCF seeks to fill four seats on the board to begin in 2027. All interested members are welcome to apply!
Board Candidate Time Commitment
- Ability to attend six board meetings per year, three virtual (2 hours), three in-person (3.5 hours), with in person gatherings typically meeting once in greater Minnesota and twice in the Twin Cities
- Ability to participate in at least one MCF Committee (committees typically meet 4-6 times per year for 1.5 hours via Zoom)
- Ability to attend MCF’s virtual Annual Meeting of the Members (1.5 hours)
- Ability to complete one or two, three-year term(s)
Application Process and Timeline
The MCF Governance Committee will develop a slate of candidates to be approved by the membership at MCF’s Annual Meeting on November 19, 2026. The committee will review candidates and conduct interviews in August.
- May-June – board applications period
- June – Governance Committee meeting to review applicants
- July – MCF staff schedule applicant interviews
- August – Governance Committee and MCF staff conduct applicant interviews
- September – Governance Committee meeting to review candidates and vote on a slate
- October – MCF Board reviews and votes on slate to present to the MCF membership
- November – MCF’s Annual Meeting to vote on slate of 2027 board members
Preview board application questions (PDF).
Application Deadline for 2027 is Now Closed
Questions?
If you have any questions about board service or MCF, please contact Michelle Maryns, MCF President, at [email protected] or by calling 612-335-3557.
Learn More
View current MCF Board and Committee Directors and Officers