Building a shared vision

A consortium of local and national funders, the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative is working to ensure that the new light rail transit line connecting Saint Paul and Minneapolis is a success for the entire community. Members of the Funders Collaborative share the belief that the Central Corridor Light Rail Line will boost the regional economy by improving access to work, housing and recreation opportunities. Most important, the Funders Collaborative believes all people and places along the light rail line can and should equally share these benefits.

Through its Catalyst Fund, the Funders Collaborative provides grants to support affordable housing, local business development and vibrant, transit-oriented destinations.

How the Funders Collaborative Makes a Difference

The Funders Collaborative places a high value on collaboration and engagement. At the neighborhood level, there is already a wealth of resident organizations, community groups, business coalitions and public agencies working on issues related to the Central Corridor. The Funders Collaborative works with these groups to promote collaboration across sectors and jurisdictions, and develop and implement shared Corridor-wide strategies. To date, it has invested more than $4 million since 2008. Support is provided to projects that promote equity, corridor-wide benefits, collaboration among stakeholders and shared learning.

The Role of The Saint Paul Foundation

Established in 2008, the Funders Collaborative is a 10-year initiative funded by 13 local and national foundations: Annie E. Casey Foundation, F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Ford Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, LivingCities, Inc., McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, Northwest Area Foundation, Otto Bremer Foundation, Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota, The Saint Paul Foundation, Surdna Foundation and Travelers Foundation. The Saint Paul Foundation also manages staff for the Funders Collaborative.