Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?
The Fourth Generation Fund program year runs from October through June. There is one meeting of the full membership per month, and on average, members invest less than six hours per month.  Meetings tend to be the second Tuesday of every month. 

What does it mean to be a member?
To reflect the busy schedules of our members, we have created different levels of membership that reflect the commitment you are able to make.

Subscriber: learn about pertinent community information through our email list and invitations to education and special events.

Supporter:  Requires a contribution to the Fund to further the grantmaking reach in the community.  Supporters receive emails, invitations to events and are able to vote on the grant decision.

Funding Member: Requires a contribution to the Fund and a commitment to involvement in the grantmaking process.  The time commitment is approximately five hours per month including regular meetings

 

Where does the money for grants come from?
Contributions by members are the primary source of money distributed to local nonprofit organizations by the Fourth Generation Fund.  The more members (of all levels) donate or fundraise, the more the group can give away.
 

How much is usually given away?
Last year Fourth Generation was able to give away $17,000.  Two grants were contributed to two organizations serving homeless youth.  Click here for a short article about the grants.

  

I heard that contributions by members will be matched by The Minneapolis Foundation.  Is that true?
The Minneapolis Foundation will match a total of $10,000 in contributions to the Fourth Generation Fund by members. 

• Gifts under $500 are matched 1:1
• Gifts equal or greater than $500 are matched 2:1
• Contributions of any amount by a Successor Advisor (individuals related to an existing donor advised fund of The Minneapolis Foundation) are matched 2:1

Additional Match Details:

• Contributions made between September 1, 2011 and February 28, 2012 are eligible to be matched. 
• Matches will be made in order of receipt of contribution until the $10,000 has been completely utilized. 
• Contributions by employers will not be matched.
• Individuals making contributions in monthly/quarterly installments or utilizing payroll deduction programs will be matched based on their cumulative contribution.  Proof of the intended pledge is required by the match deadline date. 

We also encourage you to pursue matching contributions by your employers. 

 

How do I contribute?

Contribute online to the Fourth Generation Fund.  You may also contribute by check made out to Fourth Generation Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation. 

 

Are there leadership opportunities?

There are also opportunities to get involved in the leadership of the organization and develop additional skills by joining the Advisory Board of the Fourth Generation Fund. 

 

Can I be part of Fourth Generation without joining the Fourth Generation Fund?

Yes!  The Fourth Generation Fund is just one component of the Fourth Generation program.  You will be invited to participate in events on current issues in the community and best practices in grantmaking accessing information and leadership of The Minneapolis Foundation.  Some of these activities will overlap with the Fund and some will not.  These activities will take place approximately once a quarter.  You just need to sign up as a Subscriber to access these programs.