Giving with a Learning Mindset
For some fundholders at the Minneapolis Foundation, grantmaking is a simple matter of clicking a button in our online portal to support causes they care about. For others, it’s a much more hands-on experience.
We’re proud to support both kinds of giving, which is why we offer a variety of opportunities for generous people to learn and connect with organizations that are driving positive change.
Elisabeth Bennett falls into the second category. Over the past few years, she has attended as many Minneapolis Foundation events as just about any of our 1,500+ fundholders.
Whatever she’s curious about, “I just always like to see, touch, feel, smell it,” she explained.
That’s why she joined other fundholders on a visit to North Market, a grocery store run by Pillsbury United Communities in North Minneapolis. It’s why she registered for gatherings focused on education, climate justice, housing, and economic development.
“Elisabeth embraces all the information that’s available to her, and she uses that knowledge to inform her giving,” said Amy Pfarr Walker, her Philanthropic Advisor. “Helping fundholders like her make connections between their interests and community needs is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.”
Fundholder Elisabeth Bennett and Amy Pfarr Walker, her Philanthropic Advisor
It’s what led Amy to suggest that Elisabeth, a retired physician who cares about housing, visit Ripley Gardens, a historic maternity hospital where Aeon now manages affordable housing. They also toured Washburn Center for Children to learn about the organization’s mental health services for children—another issue that’s important to Elisabeth.
Elisabeth spent decades in the medical field, which might help explain her learning mindset. Born in Switzerland, she came to Minnesota in the late 1960s for a one-year residency program, met her husband, and stayed. Today, her giving reflects many facets of her life, from Doctors Without Borders to Westminster Presbyterian Church to a nonprofit started by her grandson.
“I just want to do my part for my community,” she said.
Eager to deepen your engagement in communities you care about? Connect with our Philanthropic Advisors or check out our fundholder resources for inspiration.
