Library

Looking for new and notable information to help you dig deeper into an issue? Start with these featured reports and web sites, and then browse through our full selection by topic.

Reports: Featured

Civic health and unemployment: Can engagement strengthen the economy?
National Conference on Citizenship, September 2011, 7 pp.
States with higher levels of civic engagement - including Minnesota - are more resilient during an economic downturn, according to this report. The report found that states with the highest level rates of volunteering and working with neighbors had the smallest increase in unemployment between 2006 and 2010. more info >

Citizen solutions: CItizen perspectives on Minnesota's long-term budget
Bush Foundation, August 2011, 12 pp.
Results of citizen forums that brought together Minnesotans from many walks of life and political beliefs to foster new ideas for solving the state’s budget challenges. more info >

What do we know about nonprofit mergers?
Wilder Research, March 2011, 8 pp.
Based on a literature search, interviews, and a focus group, this study presents factors before, during, and after a nonprofit merger that impact its success. more info >

Seven ways to engage teens in civic problem-solving online
Citizens League, January 2011, 15 pp.
Suggestions from teens on civic engagement. more info >

2011 Outlook Report
Minnesota Council on Foundations, January 2011, 8 pp.
Survey of Minnesota grantmakers, asking them to predict how their 2011 giving will compare to 2010. more info >

Minnesota nonprofit economy report: A statewide and regional analysis 2010
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, December 2010, 28 pp.
Annual report providing employment and and financial data for nonprofit organizations statewide and in six Minnesota regions. more info >

Soul of the Community: St. Paul, MN
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, November 2010, 20 pp.
This study was conducted over three years in 26 cities across the United States where Knight Foundation is active. It was designed to find out what emotionally attaches people to a community and what makes them want to put down roots and build a life there. more info >

Giving in Minnesota: 2010 edition
Minnesota Council on Foundations, November 2010, 79 pp.
A comprehensive analysis of the trends and patterns of giving by organized philanthropy in Minnesota. more info >

Rural Pulse 2010
Blandin Foundation, October 2010, 44 pp.
Results of a survey of rural Minnesotans conducted in September 2010. It presents demographic information, including data on employment, family income, and length of residence. Respondents were asked questions about the condition of their community's economy and quality of life; a person's ability to affect change; whether community members worked well together; community leadership; whether their community is welcoming for people of all backgrounds; access to basic services; the community's ability to control crime, provide services for the elderly and protect the environment; access to technology and strong infrastructure; adequate healthcare and cultural/arts opportunities; and availability of quality educational and job opportunities. Respondents were asked to select the most critical issue to their community. more info >

Volunteering in America 2010: National, state, and city information
Corporation for National & Community Service, June 2010, 20 pp.
Reports key findings about volunteer trends across the United States. According to the report, Minnesota ranks third among the states and Minneapolis ranks first among the large cities included in the study. more info >

Relationships matter: Volunteerism in immigrant communities
Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration, March 2010, 40 pp.
This report details the findings and recommendations from a three year project that explored how volunteerism is perceived within immigrant communities, and the struggle of nonprofit organizations to successfully connect with them. more info >

Minnesota civic health index 2009
The Center for Democracy and Citizenship, Augsburg College, October 2009, 18 pp.
Created in connection with the National Conference on Citizenship, this report shows that Minnesota—a state long known for its civic involvement and engagement—ranks as one of the most civically engaged states. Measurements include volunteering rates, public meeting attendance and voter turnout. more info >

Strengthening democracy, increasing opportunities: Impacts of advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement in Minnesota
National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, September 2009, 80 pp.
Documents the impacts of advocacy, community organizing, and civic engagement in Minnesota. It suggests that the foundation community can strengthen its programmatic work by funding advocacy and demonstrates that philanthropic investments in policy engagement bring financial and social benefits to residents. more info >

MergeMinnesota: Nonprofit merger as an opportunity for survival and growth
MAP for Nonprofits, June 2009, 61 pp.
Provides information about the merger process, including steps to take, mistakes to avoid, and best practices. It also includes profiles of completed mergers and a literature review. more info >

The civic engagement of Baby Boomers: Preparing for a new wave of volunteers
Wilder Research, April 2007, 83 pp.
A study on the civic engagement of Baby Boomers in Saint Paul, Minnesota. more info >

Web sites

Citizens League
Identifies, frames and proposes solutions to public policy issues. more info >

Minnesota Council on Foundations
Information on grantmakers, focus areas of giving, grant writing, and more. more info >

Volunteering in America
The Corporation for National and Community Service provides data, analysis and research on volunteering and best practices on the use of volunteers. more info >