Winona Community Foundation History
In 1985 Mark Kristiansen, then director of the United Way of Greater Winona, organized a task force to investigate the possibility of forming a community foundation in our area. Members of this task force forged ahead and on January 26, 1987, the Winona Community Foundation was a registered not-for-profit agency, receiving a Certificate of Incorporation from Joan Anderson, then Minnesota Secretary of State. A board of directors was established and the first donation of $2,000 was received, thus starting the allocation of grants in our community. Sue Cornwell stepped in as president of the Foundation and worked as president until 2003.
The Foundation continues to grow rapidly, serving more donors than ever before in the Winona community. For that, we thank our following founders:
Winona Community Foundation Fast Facts
Some of the many grants and gifts that have come through the Winona Community Foundation over the years, from both general funds and restricted donor funds include: