Foundation Annual Report 2020
Letter from the Board
In 2020, we experienced a year like no other, one that came with many challenges. However, with our donors’ support, the Affinity Plus Foundation was able to make a big impact on communities and students across the state when it was needed most.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw new challenges for our communities. The pandemic meant we couldn’t host one of our largest fundraising events, and yet supporters like you made it possible for the Foundation to maintain its high level of support for scholarships and grants.
We are grateful that the Foundation came into the year with strong financials, allowing us the opportunity to continue to make significant donations in the time of greatest need.
And while this past year was tumultuous and challenging, the Foundation remains committed to our mission and is ready to turn the page into 2021 with some exciting announcements.
Starting in April, Affinity Plus members will have the opportunity to join forces for good by becoming Sustaining Members of the Affinity Plus Foundation through small, monthly donations.
The Foundation plans to focus its funding in four major areas in which we can have the most impact: Providing access to education and training; supporting entrepreneurs; building kind and inclusive communities; and ensuring all people can have their basic needs met.
Thank you for your continued support of our foundation and our communities! We can make a greater impact together.
Kate Austad
Board Chair
Ann Koetz
Joel Swanson
Jessica Volkmann
Twin cities healing
After the civil unrest that followed George Floyd’s death, the Foundation partnered with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union to launch Twin Cities Healing, an initiative aimed at coordinating contributions to various certified nonprofit organizations working to meet the basic needs of impacted individuals, to rebuild communities, and to address racial injustice.
- More than $136,000 raised for 10 local organizations
- Members contributed $36,000, and Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union contributed $100,000
Scholarship Programs
In 2020, the Foundation continued its focus on education and empowerment by awarding $60,000 in scholarships to 18 Affinity Plus member students. These outstanding students demonstrated true commitment to both their education and communities.
Learn more about all the campus scholarship winners from 2020, and how they plan to use their education to make a difference.
Grant Programs
The Foundation’s grant programs provided more than $100,000 in 2020 to organizations and educators focused on engaging and empowering their communities.
Community Grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, and educators receive Cultivator Grants. Meet all of our 2020 grant recipients.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
It’s safe to say 2020 was a year like no other, and the Foundation couldn’t have this level of impact without our sponsors’ support, and we’re so grateful for their generosity, patience, and cooperation. Thank you for helping us provide the opportunities people need to achieve their dreams.
Become a Sustaining Member
We accomplished a lot in 2020, but we want to do more. And as a Sustaining Member of the Affinity Plus Foundation, your recurring monthly donations provide the potential to educate and empower individuals and communities across Minnesota to achieve their dreams.
Becoming a Sustaining Member is easy and secure, and it will make a great impact. Join us!
About the Affinity Plus Foundation
The Affinity Plus Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2000 by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. The Foundation's mission is to engage, educate and empower individuals and communities.
Have Questions?
Please email us at info@affinityplusfoundation.org