About Us

About

Northfield Shares was founded to advance philanthropy, inspire volunteerism, and promote collaborative leadership in Northfield, Minnesota. Operating as both a community endowment and hub for volunteerism, Northfield Shares meets the needs and interests of the greater Northfield area today and into the future, providing many ways for individuals to give back to their community.

Mission & Purpose

Northfield Shares seeks to sustain and transform the Northfield community by advancing philanthropy, inspiring volunteerism, and promoting collaborative leadership.

The purpose of Northfield Shares is to improve the livability of the Northfield community through philanthropy. We are a unique community foundation because we also recognize, honor, and encourage volunteerism and the important role it plays in our town.

Vision

Northfield will be a prosperous and generous community fueled by engaged donors and volunteers.

Our Guiding Principles

Our philanthropic principles will tap individual talents, promote leadership and strengthen community innovation and creativity.

• We believe in serving with integrity, accountability and transparency to adhere to high ethical standards.
• We believe in effective and responsible management of financial and community resources.
• We believe in collaborative and collective impact.

Accreditation

Northfield Shares received accreditation with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® in December 2019. This accreditation represents our community foundation’s commitment to going above and beyond federal and state law requirements to demonstrate accountability and excellence to communities, policymakers, and the public. Northfield Shares is the community foundation for the Northfield Area (school district #659). Northfield Shares is the only organization in the area that is exclusively focused on establishing a long-range foundation for community health and vitality.

What is a Community Foundation?

Community foundations are a sustainable aspect of philanthropy, providing leadership and problem solving for the present, and preparing for the future with a permanent endowment.

Community Foundation Benefits

A community foundation builds and strengthens communities by:

• Making it possible for all levels of donors to participate in creating permanent funds to meet present & future needs.
• Serves as a catalyst for improvement through philanthropy that is visionary, diverse, and inclusive.