Foundation Membership

Like many nonprofits, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) has received generous grant support from a variety of grantmaking organizations throughout its 35+ year existence. Foundations play a key role in the sustainability and broad reach of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN). Their support ensures that Minnesota nonprofits have access to vital education, resources, and research, as well as a allied voice on public policy issues of importance to all nonprofits on local, state, and federal levels.

On occasion, however, foundations have expressed a desire to provide financial support for MCN's work outside of the traditional grantmaking process. As a result, MCN created foundation membership as a way for philanthropic organizations to help strengthen and expand the impact of Minnesota's nonprofit sector.

Grantmakers and foundations are encouraged to become members at one of the following leadership levels that best matches their resource availability and desired level of support. This critical operating support is vital to MCN's ongoing efforts advocate, adapt, innovate, and create a thriving network for nonprofits in every corner of our state. 

Benefits of this custom membership include traditional nonprofit member benefits, as well as special recognition as a foundation supporter on MCN's website, in MCN's annual report, and at the MCN Annual Conference.

Corporate Foundation/Giving Program
Membership Levels

Total Annual Giving                             Dues Level

$1 million and under                                 $2,500
$1 million - $2 million                                $5,000
$2 million and above                                $10,000

Community and Private Foundation Membership Levels

Total Assets                                               Dues Level

$10 million and under                                $2,500
$10 million - $50 million                            $5,000
$50 million and above                              $10,000


Benefits of Foundation Membership?

As a foundation member, your organization receives the following unique benefits:

  • Special recognition on the MCN website
  • Special recognition in the MCN annual report
  • Two free registrations to the MCN Annual Conference
  • One free use of MCN's direct mail list (emails not included)
In addition, foundation members receive access to the same robust bundle of member benefits provided to MCN's nonprofit members, including:

  • Free postings on the MCN Nonprofit Job Board ($179 per posting for nonmembers)
  • Discounted access to cost-savings partnerships, including Office Depot Business Solutions, Bremer Bank, Sterling Background Checks, Divvy, Bremer Insurance, CBIZ Payroll, and more
  • Discounts of 25-30 percent to 80+ MCN trainings and conferences each year
  • Vouchers for two free MCN publications, including the 2022 MN Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey, Minnesota Nonprofit Legal Handbook, Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence, and more (value of up to $450)
  • Access to affordable, comprehensive health plans through BenefitsMN
  • Quarterly Nonprofit News print newsletter featuring the latest sector news, research, and policy updates
  • Ability to nominate foundation the Nonprofit Mission Award for Responsive Philanthropy