FAQ

Here are some common questions about the Eden Prairie Community Foundation — what it is, and what it does.

Things You Might Be Curious About

Have a question that isn’t addressed elsewhere on our website? Here are answers to a few questions we’re asked from time to time.

Didn’t you used to be called the Eden Prairie Foundation?

Yes, we were formed in 1981 as the Eden Prairie Foundation. But, as a result of strategic planning in 2011 and 2012, the Foundation’s board  added “community” to its name in order to reflect the desire to independently serve the broad philanthropic needs of Eden Prairie.

What’s your connection to the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools?

FEPS is one of our nonprofit partners but that’s the extent of the connection. We continue to look for opportunities to collaborate, but FEPS has a focus on student scholarships and classroom grants, whereas the Eden Prairie Community Foundation has a broader, communitywide, philanthropic bent. Two great organizations doing great work in Eden Prairie — it’s what makes Eden Prairie a fantastic place to live or work.

Is the Foundation part of city government in Eden Prairie?

No, although our board has representation from members from the city, schools, business community, and other civic organizations. The confusion is understandable, since we maintain an office at the Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road.

Whatever happened to the Foundation Ball?

Wow, you have a good memory! Yes, from 1981 to 2012, the semi-formal Eden Prairie Foundation Ball was the chief fundraiser for the organization, providing nearly all of the money funding its grants program. It was a great event, and continues to be fondly remembered. But not everyone likes to dress up for an evening of socializing, dinner, dancing, and charitable giving. So, to mix things up and engage more people, the Foundation in 2013 created the less-formal EP Gives event, a mix of socializing, hors d’oeuvres, music, and program to honor the latest grant winners. In 2014 the Foundation added the fall Prairie Brewfest, an outdoor, craft beer sampling event designed to introduce the organization to a younger demographic. It’s a “friendraiser” as much as a fundraiser. Today, the Foundation’s calendar is a mix of appeals, events, and other programs designed to engage a wide cross-section of Eden Prairie so that we live up to the word “community” in our name.

Didn’t the Foundation used to be an all-volunteer organization?

That’s true. For most of its life, the Foundation relied on volunteers to carry out its work — even the administrative details such as banking, audits, and so on. Its strategic planning in 2011 led to the hiring of a part-time executive director in order to put formal systems in place and expand the Foundation’s reach and impact. In 2013 the board hired a full-time executive director to take the Foundation to the next level — to provide a “face” of the organization, to broaden support, and to increase the organization’s philanthropic work.

Does the Foundation have a privacy or confidentiality policy?

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation is committed to respecting the privacy of donors who request anonymity. If you are making a donation and wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Foundation’s executive director, Greg Leeper, at (952) 949-8499 or [email protected]. Other names may appear under “Donations” in the Foundation’s Annual Report or on website donor lists. If you see your name on one of these lists and wish to have it removed, please contact the executive director. In no instance is the Foundation’s donor database shared, sold, rented, or leased to any third party. When the Foundation requests contact information, it does so to better understand its supporters’ interests in the Foundation’s mission and to update them on the organization’s plans and activities. The contact information is shared with the board, volunteers and consultants only on a “need-to-know” basis. If you have comments or questions about the Foundation’s donor privacy policy, please call (952) 949-8499 or e-mail [email protected].

What about a refund policy?

The Foundation does not typically refund charitable donations. However, if you have inadvertently made an error while contributing online, or if you believe the Foundation did not use your donation as it was intended, please immediately contact the Foundation’s executive director, Greg Leeper, at (952) 949-8499 or [email protected].

Can I donate stock to the Foundation?

Yes, the Foundation does accept gifts of stock. Please download and fill out our Stock Donation Form.

Quick Reference

Phone: (952) 949-8499
Email: [email protected]

Find Directions

.

Join Our Community

Signing up for the enewsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date on philanthropic events, volunteer opportunities and other ways that Eden Prairie gives back.

Sign Up

.

EPisodes

Eden Prairie Community Foundation

OUR MISSION: Enriching our community through philanthropy, collaboration and leadership.

OUR VISION: Enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work in our community.

Contact

Eden Prairie Community
Foundation
8080 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

(952) 949-8499
Email
Directions

MENU

Eden Prairie Community Foundation

Skip to content