In This Section: Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence | Starting a Nonprofit | Resources by Topic | Sector Research | Publications
MCN’s Nonprofit Resources is an online library of nonprofit management best practices, tips, and strategies. Use these resources to learn about nonprofits and Minnesota’s nonprofit sector, how to start a nonprofit in Minnesota, and how organizations can more effectively accomplish its mission.
Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence
Expertly researched and regularly updated, this resource features 11 accountability principles and 192 management practices providing specific guidelines for individual organizations to evaluate and improve their operations, governance, human resources, advocacy, financial management, and fundraising.
Explore These Core
Accountability Principles
MCN Publications
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits regularly develops and updates indispensable directories, reports, and handbooks to help nonprofits achieve their missions more efficiently and effectively.
From our Minnesota Nonprofit Salary & Benefits Survey and Minnesota Grants Directory to our Minnesota Nonprofit Legal Handbook and Handbook for Starting a Successful Nonprofit, MCN has the detail-rich resources you need to strengthen your organization and support your team.
Starting a Nonprofit
The process for transforming an idea into an operating organization can be as complicated as it is exciting. It takes time, planning, and knowledge of Minnesota and federal regulations, as well as nonprofit best practices. For over 30 years, MCN has provided valuable information about the steps, regulations, and laws regarding how to create and maintain a healthy and sustainable nonprofit, helping transform ideas into the organizations that are changing our communities.
GrantAdvisor
GrantAdvisor is a web service that facilitates open dialogue between nonprofits and grantmakers by collecting authentic, real-time reviews and comments on grantseekers’ experiences working with funders to encourage more productive philanthropy. If you’re going on a trip, you check TripAdvisor; if you’re going to apply for a grant, you check GrantAdvisor!
Sector Research
The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits regularly conducts and publishes research important to understanding and demonstrating the nonprofit sector’s critical impact on the state of Minnesota, its economy, and most importantly, its communities.
Explore research MCN has conducted in the following areas:
Resources By Topic
Need the Assistance of Outside Experts?
Designed with nonprofits in mind, The Nonprofit SpeciaLIST contains detailed profiles for over 100 expert service providers, making it the ideal first stop for any organization in need of products or services tailored to the specific needs of nonprofits. Whether a nonprofit is looking for assistance with accounting, payroll, insurance, grantwriting, communications, web design, or a wide array of other service areas, this directory is the place to begin the search for the service provider that best fits an organization’s unique needs and budget.