Minnesota Community Foundation and Saint Paul Foundation Commit $2 Million to Launch Economic Relief Fund

July 9, 2009 — In response to the economic downturn, the Minnesota Community Foundation and the Saint Paul Foundation have announced a new community economic relief fund with commitments of more than $2 million.

The foundations, which have worked collaboratively since 2007, are funding strategic projects with specific nonprofits that have the capacity to reach thousands of people across the state who are in need of support. "The economic downturn has had a broad and deep impact on Minnesotans," said Carleen Rhodes, president of the foundations. "Many people who have never before struggled with homelessness or hunger are now facing the same issues as traditionally low-income populations."