Everybody Pitches In
When the Eden Prairie Community Foundation organized in 1981, “everybody pitched in,” says Roy Terwilliger, one of the founders.
Helping launch the Foundation and its events were people from Rotary, the chamber of commerce, the city and schools, the nonprofits that existed at the time, and many others.
That’s the sense of community the Foundation strives to maintain. And by community we don’t mean just geography, but a feeling of fellowship with others, a result of shared attitudes, interests, and goals.
Work with us. Together, we’re stronger
Are you a part of a local nonprofit, civic organization or other group in Eden Prairie? Join us! We are most effective when we work together. The Foundation helps make that happen, acting as a convener, a cultivator, a collaborator. And, yes, a partner. Here are a few examples of how we do that:
- We support the nonprofit community through our Granting Program, which over the years has provided over $2 million in grants to more than 100 different organizations serving people who live or work in Eden Prairie — grants that fill unmet needs, create new programs, or fund important equipment and technology.
- We act as a fiscal sponsor to small groups tackling big projects: the construction of the Veterans Memorial or Eden Prairie Miracle Field; securing naming rights for the Sydney Galleger Memorial Pool; or building capacity to promote literacy (the Eden Prairie Reads Fund) or veteran support (the Eden Prairie-Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Fund).
- Annually, the Foundation and Flagship Bank hold the Community Leaders Luncheon, gathering leaders from local government, nonprofits, and service clubs to say thanks for giving back to Eden Prairie, and to build collaborations and long-lasting relationships that will benefit the community.
- The Foundation, the City of Eden Prairie, and Eden Prairie Schools’ Community Education collaborate on the annual “GIVE Gathering,” a volunteer fair and nonprofit training event. Our year-long partner, Flagship Bank, helps in this effort.
This is how a better community is created. And no other organization is better suited to do this than the Eden Prairie Community Foundation. But it doesn’t happen without your involvement and support.
Take the next step. Subscribe to our updates to keep tabs on ways you can get involved. Or reach out to Greg Leeper, executive director, personally and let us know what you’re up to and whether you’d like to join in on programming like our monthly coffee.