History of the Fund

Fourth Generation was created as The Minneapolis Foundation sought to recognize the charitable impact of young professionals in our community.  As the "Fourth Generation" of our nearly 100 year old foundation, this group fosters the next wave of charitable givers in the Twin Cities.  The core work of Fourth Generation is the Fourth Generation Fund which gives members a hands on experience in strategic giving.  The Fourth Generation Fund came about as an evolution of the long standing partnership between The Minneapolis Foundation and Community Capital Alliance.

Community Capital Alliance was created in 1998 as volunteer led 501(c)3 organization committed to developing community leaders through engaged philanthropy. It was comprised of a group of young professionals committed to learning together about the community and how to make an impact on non-profits. Through a collective and strategic grantmaking process, Community Capital Alliance educated and engaged early to mid-career professionals in the Twin Cities.  During its 12 year history, the organization made more than $225,000 in contributions to local nonprofits and more than 7,000 hours of volunteer community service.   

Since the early years of CCA, The Minneapolis Foundation and CCA have had a strong collaborative relationship. As CCA leadership was working hard to address the sustainability of the organization, and more importantly, the experience that it offers members in leadership development and community involvement an opportunity was created to deepen the relationship with the Foundation.  In the fall of 2010 CCA became a program of the Foundation and was renamed as part of the launch of Fourth Generation.

The Minneapolis Foundation is honored to carry on the work of Community Capital Alliance and continue to offer a grantmaking experience for mid-career professionals that helps to develop skills as a community leader and strategic charitable giver. 

$10,000 to Face to Face which helps 1,300 homeless and unstably housed youth annually.  The grant was used to give at risk youth access transportation through bus tokens, passes, and other means, and obtain vital documents like birth certificates and identification cards ­– both of which are essential for securing housing, work, and school.  Visit www.face2face.org for more information.

$7,000 to Pillsbury United Communities' Full Cycle program.  Full Cycle is a South Minneapolis bike shop where homeless youth age 23 and under can access free bikes, employment opportunities, and other services. The program offers paid bike repair internships that give youth the skills they need to earn and keep a job. The non-clinical environment offers a comfortable and effective setting to connect at risk youth with needed services.  The grant will allow the program to expand by adding staff time. Visit www.puc-mn.org for more information.

What organizations have been funded in the past?

• Achieve!Minneapolis
• Admission Possible
• African Assistance Program, Inc.
• African Development Center
• Center for Asian & Pacific Islanders
• East Metro Women's Council
• Emerge Streetwerks Program
• Face 2 Face
  
• Frogtown Action Alliance
• Full Cycle
  
• Girls in Action
• Hmong Cultural Center
• The Jeremiah Program
• Kids Cook
  
• La Escuelita
• Minnesota Food Association
  
• Native academy
• Neighborhood Development Association
• Perspectives
  
• Seen on Da Streets
• Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota
  
• Twin Cities RISE!