There are significant challenges facing Minnesota’s communities, including racial inequality in education, economic opportunities and health outcomes. In Minnesota, members of the philanthropic community work in a variety of innovative and collaborative ways to address these challenges and create a sustainable future.
The Council on Foundations, Minnesota Council on Foundations, Medtronic Foundation, and SDG Philanthropy Platform are excited to co-host a meeting in the Twin Cities on March 9, 2017 to discuss how work already underway across Minnesota supports the universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This set of 17 global goals was adopted by 193 countries, including the United States, in 2015. Mayors around the U.S. – including Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges - agreed to implement these goals in their cities alongside federal agencies, all working towards ending extreme poverty and leaving no one behind in a more equitable America by 2030.
As American philanthropy grapples with local challenges, how do our solutions and experiences link to challenges elsewhere around the globe? How can global goals enhance domestic programs in the United States? How can funders in Minnesota develop innovative approaches to local challenges and join other cities and states across the country in utilizing the global goals framework?
Event Details:
Morning discussions will highlight ongoing efforts of Minnesota philanthropy, current needs and recent analyses of local challenges, and discuss the broader context of the SDGs. The afternoon will feature deep-dive conversations around specific areas of ongoing work in Minnesota and how funders can explore new approaches and partnerships to reaching ambitious targets locally, including education, economic security, and health.
Speakers will include:
- Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges
- Trista Harris, president, Minnesota Council on Foundations
- Vikki Spruill, president and CEO, Council on Foundations
- Jacob Gayle, Vice President for Philanthropy, Medtronic Philanthropy
- Jennifer Chavez-Rubio, Senior Director, Global Engagement, Medtronic Philanthropy
- Criag Helmstetter, Senior Research Manager, Wilder Research
- GHR Foundation
- Lauren Bradford, Director of Global Partnerships, Foundation Center
- Natalie Ross, Senior Director of Global Philanthropy and Partnerships, Council on Foundations
- Mike Beard, Global Health Director and Exec Director of Better World Campaign, United Nations Foundation
- Additional state leaders and national partners to be announced
This event will be the fifth location in a national dialogue with local philanthropy on this issue, following convenings in 2015 and 2016 in Little Rock, San Francisco, New York City, and Jacksonville. The first three events led to the development of a report titled From Global Goals to Local Impact: How philanthropy can help achieve the SDGs in the U.S.
