Northfield Shares to Receive Capacity-Building Grant from Ames Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation
Northfield Shares, a community foundation centered on philanthropy, volunteerism and collaborative leadership, announced that it will receive a capacity-building grant from the Ames Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation in the amount of $140,000.
The grant is payable over three years with the purpose of building capacity at Northfield Shares in three main ways. Through annual operating support, the grant will enable Northfield Shares to increase its staffing and will provide tools necessary for the community foundation to succeed. Additionally, the grant will help to increase Northfield Shares’ community impact by making more dollars available for granting to local organizations. Northfield Shares will also use this funding to further develop its volunteer program.
William Sternberg, a philanthropic advisor at The Minneapolis Foundation, said, “The Ames Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation was created to invest in the health, well-being, and vibrancy of the community of Northfield in ways that would be sustainable by the community long into the future. Partnering and investing in the growth of Northfield Shares is one way of realizing that goal.”
When asked about the grant, Craig Ellingboe, Northfield Shares board chair, said, “A friend of mine recently shared that ‘blessings come just at the right time.’ This gift has come just at the right time to give our community foundation the wherewithal for moving to the next level. Developing a community foundation is a bit of a pioneer journey going into new territory, and this gift will do several important things.” One of the core opportunities provided by the grant is the chance for Northfield Shares to hire its first full-time executive director.
Northfield Shares is the Northfield area’s community foundation founded to advance philanthropy, inspire volunteerism and promote collaborative leadership. The organization was formed when 5th Bridge and Northfield Area Foundation merged. For more information on Northfield Shares, visit www.northfieldshares.org.
About The Minneapolis Foundation
For more than 100 years, The Minneapolis Foundation has connected people, resources, and ideas to improve lives in Minnesota and beyond. The Foundation manages nearly $700 million in assets, providing customized and tax-smart giving solutions that result in the average annual distribution of more than $50 million in grants. The Foundation brings people together to unite behind common goals and spark positive change in our community. www.minneapolisfoundation.org
