The Pohlad Family Foundation Owner's Initiative operated from 2004-2007 as a partnership between the Foundation and the Minnesota Twins. The objectives of the program were to: 1) to assist local nonprofits in creating a successful fundraising event that expanded their base of individual supporters and 2) increase awareness about their work among the broader public. To achieve those results, the Foundation provided grant support and the Minnesota Twins provided valuable in-kind support including game tickets, promotion, and event space.

The Pohlad Family Foundation provided an initial grant of $10,000 to assist organizations in event planning and paying event expenses. The Foundation also matched up to $5,000 of funds raised from new individual contributions as a result of the event. (Please note: corporate contributions did not qualify for the match.)

The Minnesota Twins provided use of largest outdoor picnic area for event, game tickets for event attendees, and promotion of event using broadcast, in-stadium and other promotional tools.

Organizations which applied for this program had:

• Served youth in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area
• Had never previously produced a major fundraising event
• Had an annual operating budget of less than $1 million
• Were able to dedicate employee and/or volunteer resources which:
  1. Planned a fundraising event that will took place in the summer
  2. Participated in program meetings with the Foundation and the Minnesota Twins
  3. Submitted a final report

2007 Owner's Initiative

After two successful years, a Request for Proposals outlining the program's goals was issued in November 2006. Organizations selected to participate in 2007 are: Dads Make a Difference, La Escuelita, and St. Paul Urban Tennis Program.

2005 and 2006 Owner's Initiative

During 2005 and 2006, organizations selected to participate were chosen by foundation staff. Participants in 2005 were: Admission Possible, Everybody Wins, and Project Success. More than 1,700 guests attended the three events and the organizations raised a combined total of $108,000.

During 2006, participating organization were: Portage for Youth, WE WIN Institute, and YouthCARE. The organizations raised $113,000 during their events which were attended by more than 1,400 guests.

Each year participating organizations experienced positive, non-financial results including publicity in print and broadcast media; invitations to expand their programs to new sites; and new or strengthened relationships with supporters or public officials.