Where Sacrifice
Meets Joy

As parents of four, the Twin Cities couple has never lacked things they could spend money on. They’d love to drive a fancier car. But whenever they consider a major purchase, they pause and ask themselves: What could this money do in Africa? 

Born and raised in Ghana, the Owenses have lived in Minnesota for more than 20 years. For nearly as long, they have made giving back to African communities a central part of their lives. 

Their philanthropy requires real sacrifice, Rosemond said, “but we know it’s a good sacrifice.” 

Their contributions take many forms. Over the years, they have made and sold peanut brittle to raise money for charity. They organized a food-themed fundraiser called Lavish. They return to Ghana regularly, often leading small groups of Minnesotans on mission trips. On each trip, they visit communities where they invest and talk with local partners about what’s needed next. 

Today, much of their giving focuses on Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG), a nonprofit organization they founded and support through a Donor Advised Fund at the Minneapolis Foundation. 

“Isaac and Rosemond bring their whole hearts to their philanthropy,” said Russell Betts, their Philanthropic Advisor at the Foundation. “They give thoughtfully, consistently, and with a deep respect for the communities they serve.” 

Philanthropic Advisor Russell Betts (left) works with Isaac and Rosemond Owens at the Minneapolis Foundation, where the couple uses a Donor Advised Fund to fuel their charitable work in Africa.

Rosemond’s giving journey dates back to when she was earning her graduate degree at the University of Minnesota. Through a mentor, Luanne Nyberg, she got connected to Books For Africa, a St. Paul-based organization that ships donated books to libraries and classrooms across the continent. Rosemond and Isaac began fundraising for the organization, and she eventually served a term as president of its board. 

Around that same time, Rosemond was visiting Ghana when she met someone who would change the direction of her family’s philanthropy. Dr. Stephen Mecca, a physics professor from Rhode Island, spent his summers in Ghana teaching and bringing student researchers to address real-world challenges. One of his projects focused on developing a micro-flush toilet that could provide villages with safe, low-cost sanitation. 

As Rosemond and Isaac got to know Dr. Mecca, they were struck not only by his innovation, but by his long-term commitment to Ghana. Until then, much of their work had supported Books For Africa’s efforts across dozens of countries. Dr. Mecca’s focus on their home country prompted a new question: “Why don’t we figure out a way to give back to Ghana, too?”  

That’s how SALG got started. Drawing on their experience with Books For Africa and inspired by the promise of micro-flush technology, Rosemond and Isaac started the organization to invest in Ghanaian communities where they could have a lasting impact. Since 2015, SALG has supported a range of projects to improve sanitation and expand access to literacy. 

For Rosemond and Isaac, supporting SALG’s work through their fund at the Minneapolis Foundation allows them to be intentional about creating a lasting legacy, while also sustaining the work of SALG for the future.  

From donated books to a new library and computer center, literacy has been a through line in the Owenses’ giving. 

“For us, the fund is more than just a giving vehicle. It’s a way to ensure that our family’s commitment to literacy, education, and dignity continues across generations,” Rosemond explained. “It connects our story to a broader vision of empowering communities in Ghana and inspires others to see how philanthropy, in all its forms, can create ripple effects of change. 

In 2024, SALG marked a major milestone with the opening of a new library and computer center in honor of Rosemond’s grandfather, who was a chief in the town of Afari. 

Seeing students celebrate the way they did at the library’s grand opening reminded Rosemond and Isaac why they are content to keep driving their old car. 

“You look at the joy in their faces,” Rosemond says, “and it trumps everything.” 

Learn more about the Owenses’ philanthropy through Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG).