We believe that our economic systems should be fair and position everyone to achieve financial stability and build wealth. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and impact investing, we help build systems and practices that close wealth gaps and create lasting community stability.
For decades, the Minneapolis Foundation has invested in efforts to expand economic opportunity. Today, we support this work through both endowed resources and state-funded grant programs. Our current projects include:
Being a philanthropist doesn’t just mean donating to organizations. Through impact investing, people can invest charitable assets in ways that drive positive economic change.
This fund enables new and existing Donor Advised Funds to nurture small businesses, preserve affordable housing, and more by making hyper-local impact investments in partnership with us. A $10 million revolving loan pool, InvestMPLS pays a fixed interest rate to participating investors.
The GroundBreak Coalition is a bold, cross-sector initiative of over 40 private, public, and philanthropic partners mobilizing $5.4 billion over the next decade—rewriting the rules for how capital flows into communities. Donors can get involved by donating to GroundBreak’s grantmaking efforts or using charitable assets to make low- or zero-interest loans.
story
Starting April 15, the Minneapolis Foundation will accept proposals from organizations that advance economic mobility.
Read Storystory
Hundreds of businesses have received emergency financial support through the Economic Response Fund, a rapid-response effort led by the Minneapolis Foundation to help small businesses stay afloat and keep contributing to the regional economy.
Read Storystory
Family-owned restaurants, neighborhood clinics, and apartment buildings are among the small businesses and development projects that are taking shape with help from state-funded grants administered by the Minneapolis Foundation.
Read StoryReach out to Jo-Anne or Josh if you have any questions about our economic mobility programs.
Jo-Anne’s areas of focus include workforce development, job creation, support for BIPOC businesses, housing, and family financial security. A member of the Foundation’s team since 2009, Jo-Anne has more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy. She serves as co-chair of the Northside Funders Group and as a member of the Heading Home Minnesota Funders Collaborative. Nationally, she is the past chair and has now served six years as treasurer of the board of Native Americans in Philanthropy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and enjoys the outdoors.
Josh supports the Foundation’s grantmaking and community impact work, with a focus on economic mobility and the environment. Before joining the Foundation in 2021, he spent several years working at a Minneapolis nonprofit. Born and raised in South Dakota, he earned a bachelor’s degree in global studies from South Dakota State University before moving to Minnesota in 2014. In his free time, Josh enjoys traveling, attending MNUFC matches, collecting houseplants, and going to concerts.