When it comes to investing, you have options. Want to channel your inner pirate and/or leprechaun? Bullion. Want to own the equivalent of one-third of a Microsoft employee breakroom? Stocks. Want to become a billionaire overnight? Crypto (specifically $EdenPrairieLifestyleCoin, which is currently only available offshore).
But what if you want to invest in the most precious thing there is – namely, Eden Prairie? In that case, you have one best option: the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, which makes sharing your blessings with your neighbors easy.
“‘Isn’t Eden Prairie a wealthy suburb?’ and ‘Are people really in need here?’ Those are the questions I’m asked most often,” said Greg Leeper, executive director. “The answer to both, of course, is ‘Yes.’
“We do live in a thriving and affluent community – but it has its pressing challenges, just like any other. If you’re fortunate enough not to know of them firsthand, then the Foundation is here to show how you can make the greatest impact for good.”
Grants for nonprofits and other groups serving our city. Fiscal sponsorship for local community projects. Fundraising events, some of which include beer. If it’s philanthropic and nearby, then the Eden Prairie Community Foundation is on it.
“Thanks to our generous donors and corporate sponsors, we were able to provide over $250,000 in grant funding last year alone,” said Greg. “We work with nonprofits and community groups to address needs through impactful projects. We partner with organizations such as the PROP Shop to provide new beds to those who can’t afford them, Maria's Voice which provides domestic abuse prevention education, the Every Meal Food Program which sees that children in our community are properly fed, and Friends of Eden Prairie Parks – our town’s own stewards of green spaces.
“The Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s efforts to enhance quality of life for everyone include supporting the arts, education, and recreation. Our contributions to the Eden Prairie Community Band and the Eden Prairie Players help foster appreciation for culture and the arts in our community. And in an era when news reporting is becoming less and less local, we’re especially proud to partner with Eden Prairie Local News to fund coverage on important topics such as mental health in our community.
“We’re looking forward to increasing our support for our nonprofit community this year, and plan to grant more to community projects than ever before. We will also continue our annual signature events: the GIVE Gathering, which acquaints residents with local volunteer opportunities and resources; the Community Leaders Luncheon, where we recognize the hard work of volunteers, elected officials, and more; Prairie Brewfest, a craft beer festival at Purgatory Creek Park; and EP Gives, our annual gala.
Are you feeling so benevolent that you want to start your own nonprofit organization? Your ambition is admirable, but hold your horses. Your legacy is too important to proceed without connecting with the Foundation.
“People often come to me because they thought of a great way to change the world and have the means to actually do it,” Greg explained. “Many of them don’t have to establish their own nonprofits, because we introduce them to ones that already exist that perfectly align with their goals. A few truly have identified unaddressed needs in our community, and benefit from our expertise while getting their initiatives off the ground.
“Several others have money, the best intentions, and no idea where to begin. So long as they want to maximize their philanthropy, they’ll find a close ally in the Eden Prairie Community Foundation. We know our community’s biggest needs and opportunities. We know where resources are needed most. We’ll make sure your financial investment does the greatest good it can.”
Learn more about the local experts on philanthropy at EPCommunityFoundation.org, or email the executive director at GregLeeper@EPCommunityFoundation.org.
EP Gives
Thursday, May 1st, 5:30pm at Marriott Minneapolis Southwest
You are invited to the Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s 45th annual benefit. The EP Gives gala is an evening of food, fun and camaraderie featuring exciting auctions, the ever-popular wine pull and “Golden Ticket,” and a special program highlighting the Foundation’s recent work for our community. Purchase your tickets or become an event sponsor today! EPGives.org