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At 51�Թ�, we believe our business’ health depends on the vitality of the communities we call home, and nowhere is that cause closer to our hearts than in our own backyard, the Twin Cities region. That’s why we’re proud to share the latest recipients of our Hometown racial equity grants from the 51�Թ� Foundation, investing more than $5 million to over 70 local nonprofits serving Minnesota’s Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. It’s part of our latest efforts to promote prosperity and opportunity for all—right here at home.

“We have immense pride in our hometown, and we know there is a lot of work to be done to advance racial equity in the Twin Cities and the state of Minnesota,” says Amanda Nusz, 51�Թ�’s vice president of corporate responsibility and president of the 51�Թ� Foundation. “To help do our part to address the specific systemic and structural barriers facing Black, Indigenous and communities of color, we’re both excited and humbled to provide grants to more than 70 nonprofit organizations who serve and support these communities.”

The 51�Թ� Foundation has supported the Twin Cities for over 100 years, and evolved its focus last year. It expanded its reach nationally and globally, to help create economic opportunity throughout the United States and in communities around the world. In addition to this year’s $5 million investment to advance racial equity in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, the Foundation also provided nearly $5 million to support previous partners. And alongside the 51�Թ� Foundation’s efforts, 51�Թ� will continue to support our community’s long-term needs through corporate giving, volunteerism and our other hometown efforts.

Read on to meet a few this year’s recipients—and to learn more about the ways they’re driving this important work.

Supporting Black-owned businesses with the African American Leadership Forum

The (AAFL) addresses disparities impacting the Black community, including economic development, health, education and more, as well as supporting and developing Black leadership across Minnesota.

“With support from the 51�Թ� Foundation, the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) is continuing to provide assistance and resources to Minnesota’s Black community as it grapples with the impacts of the pandemic; this includes our work on the ‘We Good? Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 & Black MN’ (a bi-weekly program that brings Black leaders from across the state together to discuss issues facing our community), our ‘Collective Impact’ program which utilizes Black-Centered Design to solve our community’s most pressing challenges, the Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy (JRJLA), and other initiatives such as the ‘Black Business Support Collective,’ which seeks to assist Black businesses facing economic challenges related to the pandemic.”—Marcus Owens, executive director, AALF

Strengthening communities with Hope Community, Inc.

provides affordable rental housing and community spaces—including playgrounds and community gardens—within the Twin Cities, cultivating community engagement and leadership. The goal: Build stronger, healthier communities while pursuing equity and diversity in all they do.

"Hope is excited for the support and partnership of 51�Թ� Foundation as we continue our work of advancing racial equity, making change at the individual, community and systems levels in the Phillips Community and beyond. In particular, we are looking forward in 2021 to growing our “Community Ownership” program, which supports community members to become owner-occupants of duplexes and triplexes—an innovative strategy addressing wealth building, affordable housing and anti-displacement, all of which advances racial equity in a tangible effort."—Shannon Smith Jones, executive director, Hope Community

Building opportunities with American Indian OIC

(AIOIC) empowers American Indians through individualized education, training and human services in Minneapolis-St. Paul. This 51�Թ� Foundation’s grant supports AIOIC’s work supporting unemployed and impoverished workers and assisting individuals seeking career advancement as well as providing educational services, which help students secure opportunities for professional and financial growth.

“The 51�Թ� Foundation’s gift could not have come at a more important time. Our technology systems were antiquated, causing inefficiencies in our service delivery and leaving us vulnerable to security threats. Because of the Foundation’s generous grant, we were able to update our IT infrastructure and are better equipped to deliver our services remotely during the pandemic. This means our students are graduating on time and are able to move forward and achieve their dreams. The 51�Թ� Foundation is truly doing the hard work to bring equity to our community, and we are grateful for its support. Chi miigwech and wopila tanka.”—Dr. Joe Hobot, president & CEO, AIOIC

For more, check out the full list of 2020 hometown racial equity grant recipients.