The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) has selected three Minnesota nonprofits that have made outstanding contributions to our state’s high quality of life as recipients of 2021 Nonprofit Mission Awards. Presented each year since 1987, the Nonprofit Mission Awards recognize and honor the contributions of Minnesota nonprofits in the areas of Innovation, Advocacy, and Anti-Racism Initiative. Organizations honored this year are The Family Partnership, League of Women Voters Minnesota, and YWCA St. Paul.
MCN will present this year’s honorees before more than 400 nonprofit professionals on Thursday, October 14 as part of the virtual 2021 MCN Annual Conference. Recipients will also receive $2,500, recognition to over 15,000 readers in Nonprofit News, and a unique glass award.
2021 Nonprofit Mission Award Recipients
Advocacy Award: Founded in 1919, the League of Women Voters Minnesota (LWVMN) empowers voters and defends democracy by encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy. LWVMN launched their “Vote from Home” advocacy campaign during the 2020 elections, which were severely affected by the global pandemic, with two main goals — for voters to stay safe AND stay engaged. LWMVN initiated civic engagement and education campaigns statewide, successfully advocated at the state Capitol to get the Help America Vote Act funding approved by our State Legislature, and participated in two major lawsuits to fight for flexible witness signature requirements and combat voter intimidation from privately hired militias.
Anti-Racism Initiative Award: With a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, YWCA St. Paul has been a champion for racial and gender equity in the community since 1907. Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, YWCA St. Paul expanded its work to provide educational programs on the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of racism and inspire action to eliminate racism. The organization’s “Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge” campaign, “Tackling Racism” virtual town hall, and Equity and Justice Community Conversation events represent some of the work has united community members, built understanding, and called out the systems, laws, and policies that have helped perpetuate inequitable outcomes for communities of color.
Innovation Award: For 143 years, The Family Partnership (TFP) has worked to understand and address the needs of vulnerable families and children in the greater Minneapolis area. TFP is at the forefront in implementing evidence-based practices and emerging brain science to close opportunity gaps for children and families. One such effort is Executive Functioning Across Generations, an effective and creative solution developed to address the negative impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as child abuse and household dysfunction, have on executive functioning development. Executive Functioning Across Generation utilizes brain science, a two-generation approach (parent and child), and a focus on language-based skills to address the persistent social issues of ACEs and intergenerational cycles of poverty, making a lasting difference in the lives of families.