Principles of Minnesota Grantmakers
| 1. | Ethics and Law Principle To sustain public trust by adhering to the highest ethical principles and practices and abiding by all state and federal laws that govern philanthropy. |
| 2. | Effective Governance Principle To achieve effective governance by ensuring performance in the areas of stewardship of assets, donor intent, fiduciary responsibility and sound decision-making. |
| 3. | Mission and Goals Principle To be purposeful in our philanthropy by having a clearly stated mission and explicit goals. |
| 4. | Engaged Learning Principle To foster continuous learning and reflection by engaging board members, staff, grantees and donors in thoughtful dialogue and education. |
| 5. | Respectful Relationships Principle To build constructive relationships with applicants, grantees and donors by ensuring mutual respect, candor, confidentiality and understanding. |
| 6. | Transparency Principle To achieve transparency in our relationships with the public, applicants, grantees and donors by being clear, consistent and timely in our communications with them. |
| 7. | Diversity Principle To reflect and engage the diversity of the communities we serve in our varying roles as grantmakers, boards and employers, economic entities and civic participants. |
| 8. | Self-Assessment & Commitment Principle To uphold the highest standards by regularly assessing ourselves against these principles and committing to implement them. |
Adopted by the MCF Board of Directors in 2006; developed from the original 1996 version.
