We have impact in two ways:
- We help people make a difference on the issues and places that matter most to them. By providing charitable advice and services, we help you achieve your charitable giving goals.
- We use the assets entrusted to us to make extraordinary impact. Through the years, generous donors have contributed to The Saint Paul Foundation to provide leadership and support to the community. We have helped them make extraordinary impact, and we can help you do the same. One important way The Saint Paul Foundation has an impact is by making grants to support effective programs. Learn more about how to apply for a grant. We also have impact by developing and managing community initiatives—innovative and responsive programs that directly serve people in our community.
Community Convening and Problem Solving
Our unique role as a community foundation allows us to play critical convening and problem solving roles for the Saint Paul region. For example, we co-created and are co-leading the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative. This collaboration of local and national funders are committed to making sure the construction of the Central Corridor light rail line benefits all the residents and businesses along the line. The effort has become a national model.
Issue Expertise and Leadership
Through our grantmaking and community engagement, we develop deep expertise in issues that enable us to catalyze community response. For example, our long-time focus on the importance of literacy has spurred us to lead pioneering efforts such as the creation of the Hubbs Center for adult literacy and the Words Work! program that has had a measurable impact on improving early childhood literacy.
Building Strong Initiatives
We have been instrumental in building the strong institutions that define Saint Paul. From Ordway Center for the Performing Arts to the Science Museum of Minnesota, from Minnesota Public Radio to Neighborhood House, from Penumbra Theatre to the Minnesota Children’s Museum, from Hmong American Partnership to CLUES, we have helped grow and strengthen the pillars of our community.
Innovating for the Future
We have a long history of incubating new ideas and fledgling organizations that ultimately have a transformative effect on our community. From Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library to Great River Greening to GiveMN.org, we provide seed capital and support to ventures that bring new energy and impact to Saint Paul.
