What is it?

Legacy Funds of The Minneapolis Foundation are permanently endowed funds that have been established with gifts from living donors and from the estates of the Foundation’s legacy donors — our “Community Builders.” Gifts to these Funds are invested for the long-term, with annual distributions to organizations working within each named interest area.

When is it used? Legacy Funds are the perfect answer for charitable families who want to support particular charitable interests, now and forever. They can be named in a will or trust as a charitable beneficiary, and they can be named as the ultimate purpose of a Donor Advised Fund, once there are no longer active advisors. Living donors can make direct gifts to honor the passion of a friend or family member, providing a permanent legacy in their name. Bequests or charitable distributions can be split among two or more Legacy Fund categories including The Minneapolis Foundation’s Community Action Fund, which is designed to address our region’s most critical needs and opportunities as identified by the Foundation’s trustees.
How does it work?

The income from each Legacy Fund will be distributed annually for the intended purpose. Named funds within each category may be established with gifts totaling $10,000 or more. Legacy Funds are subject to the Foundation’s right to depart from the original purpose if the Board determines that the purpose has become unnecessary, is incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community.

Community Action Fund - an unrestricted fund that will address the needs and opportunities that affect the common good and welfare of our communities. This is the Legacy Fund that provides future generations with the resources and flexibility to address critical issues and emerging needs.

Arts and Culture Fund - to support art, artists and arts education, and the cultural institutions that enrich our communities. Beneficiaries could include visual and performing arts programs, libraries, media centers, and museums.

Justice and Equality Fund - to improve the quality of life of all Minnesota’s communities by promoting social justice and equality, cross-cultural understanding, and ways to reduce racial disparities. Beneficiaries could include advocacy and legal support organizations, civil and human rights protection, and community organizing activities.

Children, Youth and Families Fund - to assist organizations that work to improve the quality of life for children and families through direct service and/or advocacy. Beneficiaries could include summer camps, organizations serving families in crisis, and child advocacy programs.

Education Fund - to improve public education systems and the access of all groups to the highest quality instruction from pre-school through postsecondary education. Beneficiaries could include early childhood programs, educator training, innovative education programs, college readiness and mentoring programs.

Health and Medical Access Fund - to sustain organizations that address issues of general health and the well-being of individuals and communities, and to improve the quality of health care systems. Beneficiaries could include community health workers, innovative service delivery systems, and programs targeting behavioral risk factors.

Environment Fund - to support organizations that seek to improve the quality of our environment through natural resource preservation, land conservation, clean energy, and energy efficiency. Beneficiaries could include clean energy advocacy, reducing exposure to environmental hazards, land stewardship and energy efficiency programs.

Animal Welfare Fund - to support organizations that provide humane care for animals, and promote policies and practices that address the welfare of domestic animals. Beneficiaries could include animal rescue programs, spay and neutering clinics, and animal shelters.

International Fund - to support programs that focus on Legacy Fund priorities in communities outside the United States. Beneficiaries may include micro-lending, services to orphans and families, and global health services.

Donors who wish to create Legacy Funds of $25,000 or more may apply additional restrictions within an interest area. For example, a $25,000 gift to the Arts and Culture Fund might have a particular focus on dance, or dance education. Our goal is to design a fund that will honor your charitable interests in the most effective way possible.

 Learn more We're happy to help you find the charitable giving or estate planning option that works best for your situation. We can work directly with you or through your professional advisor. Call us today at (612) 672-3878 or e-mail us at development@mplsfoundation.org.

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Make a greater impact
through shared endowments
 
Legacy Funds are a smart alternative to field of interest funds. Your dollars will be invested with others to increase the returns on your endowed gift.
 
Designate any one or more of these categories and rely on Foundation staff to direct your gift to have the greatest impact.
  • Arts and Culture
  • Justice and Equality
  • Children, Youth and Families
  • Education
  • Health and Medical Access
  • Environment
  • Animal Welfare
  • International Fund
 
 
 
The Minneapolis Foundation is Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

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