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Minnesota Black Collective Foundation

EIN 88-3613546 · Minneapolis, MN

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceStrong93 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our mission is to build Black philanthropic power to strengthen the ecosystem of Black-led social, political, and economic change in Minnesota and beyond.

Income
$2.3 million
Spending
$2.4 million
Spent on programs
80%
Reserves
15.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 96%
Employees
4
Volunteers
30
Highest pay
$205,115, president & co-founder

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 15.7 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    5 of 15

    Income fell 18% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    80% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (philanthropy, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $747,107 spent. MN Legal Education, Advocacy, and Defense (MN LEAD): We facilitate, support, and inspire the philanthropic, non-profit, and social impact field to be in power-shifting solidarity to realize the promise of racial justice. We partner with renowned organizations to advance systems change through data, relationships, and networks. In 2025, The Collective expanded the MN LEAD initiative, a multiracial effort to build a strong, interconnected ecosystem that proactively addresses legal challenges to race-conscious grantmaking, programs, and activities. MN LEAD helps shape narratives, provide education, and support strategic efforts for racial justice for nonprofit organizations throughout MN.
  2. $603,573 spent. New Suns Fellowship: Since inception, the Collective has been committed to supporting the genius of Black leaders. Through the New Suns Fellowship, we create one-of-a-kind experiences designed to sustain the well-being of leaders as they build resilient organizations, contribute to a connected ecosystem, and build a movement for Black-led Change. Fellowships include flexible funding for well-being, sustainability, and readiness to lead. Retreats and convenings offer immersive spaces for reflection, strategic planning, and community-building. Fellows also serve as a brain trust of advisors to the Collective, guiding responsive organizing and philanthropic investments aligned with our mission.
  3. $341,182 spent. Events & Convenings: We continue to strengthen the ecosystem of those that serve the Black community through community convenings, retreats, and more. For example, in 2025 we hosted The Collective Sum, a three-day immersive summit that blends deep learning, community building, and collective strategizing. Together, we explored bold ideas at the intersection of culture, economic power, and civic engagement. Attendees engaged in conversations and strategies that respond to today's challenges while staying true to our values. Another example is our Rooting engagement. For 4 years, Rooting has been a premier social gathering series curated for people working, leading, and serving the Black community in the social sector. At Rooting, we network, strengthen relationships, break bread, and reflect with one another on what it takes to be well and work for a more just MN.
  4. $199,054 spent. Other Program: We work to harness the power, leadership, and brilliance of Minnesota's Black communities to create transformational solutions across the justice system, safety, economics, health, and well-being. Other program investments are used across community-based grantmaking, organizational infrastructure, programming, endowment, research, and convening to resource and advance the ecosystem of Black-led change and to expand who can impactfully participate in philanthropy.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2023.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.