Founded in 2004, The Community Foundation for Carver County enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about — immediately or through their will or estate plan.

It's our role to manage and invest a variety of funds that individuals, families and organizations have established with us. From those funds, grants and scholarships are then made to address local needs right here in Carver County or wherever your interests take you.

Growing a community foundation takes the investment of many people over time to be effective. Your donations help us increase our ability to provide grants and scholarships to address local needs and initiatives within the communities of Carver County.

A community foundation, while also a public charity, is primarily a grantmaker and not a direct service provider. Rather than focus on servicing a particular community need, our community foundation serves donors and the broad needs of our communities.

Our Goals:

Connect the dots:
We convene and foster dialogue among stakeholders to identify emerging needs and create a sense of shared responsibility for community.

Secure resources:
We attract the charitable contributions of individuals, families and businesses, providing an opportunity for donors to give back locally.

Provide support:
We provide financial and other resources to strengthen organizations and initiatives that contribute to the health and vitality of those living and working in Carver County.

Donors can give to an Existing Fund or Establish a Charitable Fund by contributing a variety of assets.

Existing Funds:
-Benton Lake Watershed Conservancy (BLWC) Fund...has a mission to identify and assist in the implementation of activities to improve the water quality and usage of Benton Lake (Cologne, MN) and to enhance this natural resource.

-Carver County Health Partnership (CCHP) Fund...is a collaborative effort of local businesses, non profits, community groups, concerned citizens, governments, and churches working together to make Carver County a healthy place to live and work.

-Celebration of the Arts Endowed Fund...awards grants and/or scholarships that are focused on creating and sustaining a thriving arts environment in Carver County for generations.

-Community Connections Fund...encourages community connections and linkages through civic engagement, leadership development and community building activities.

-Human Growth Fund...promotes the healthy development and educational needs of families and individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

-Livable Communities Fund...promotes livable communities and innovative approaches to community growth and development.

-Minnesota Association of Occupational Health Nurses Scholarship Fund (MAOHN Scholarship Fund)...is a scholarship fund established to provide financial support for education that enhances a MAOHN member's professional development in the field of occupational health.

-Steiner Fund for Single Mothers...supports the needs of single mothers across Carver County.

-Watertown-Mayer Education Fund...is working to support special programs and initiatives for the ultimate benefit of students and faculty at Watertown-Mayer Public Schools.