2009CAROLYN FOUNDATION

Annual Report

Front cover: Freinds of Mississippi River Paddle - Tim Boyle

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CAROLYN FOUNDATION

HISTORY

Carolyn Foundation was established in 1964 at the bequest of Carolyn McKnight Christian. Since that time the foundation has developed expertise in understanding issues facing children & families, community vitality and the environment and effectively applying innovative leadership and philanthropic resources to meet those issues.

VISION

Our vision is for successive generations of our family to work together and become personally involved to improve the lives of children/families, communities and the environment.

MISSION

Our mission is to support programs and initiatives that effect positive change now and in the future.

CAROLYN VALUES

Our Values guide our relationships and decision-making.

• Compassion and Reason We will seek to bring both compassion and reason to bear in working with those we serve.

• Concern for Community We value the importance and character of communities and frequently work as a partner for effective solutions to community problems.

• Making a Difference We work to make a significant difference with our emphasis in addressing root causes and effecting long-term systemic change.

• Inclusion We affirm and value the diversity in our communities and our family including but not limited to: race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation/identity, faith and family structures.

• Civility We are committed to civil discourse and will act with respect, even in the face of opposing views.

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The abrupt market changes in early 2009 had an impact on the Carolyn Foundation’s asset base, which affected the amount of grantmaking dollars available for distribution. It was a challenging year but I am proud to report that our grant review committees did an extraordinary job under great pressure to carefully research and consider every grant request we received. Their hard work resulted in providing more numerous, but smaller grants for the environment and for organizations in New Haven, CT and Minneapolis MN, the two target communities in which we work.

In response to the challenging economic times that non-profit organizations faced in 2009, the Carolyn Foundation’s Community Grant Review Committee made more general operating grants and provided some organizations the opportunity to use project funding with more flexibility than we have in the past. The Committee understood that smaller grants can provide major assistance to organizations who are trying to maintain critical programming in a tough fundraising environment.

The Environmental Grant Review Committee focused on programs that have a sustained impact on quality of life. The Committee continued to fund programs that supported our priority of reducing reliance on dirty coal energy to reduce air and global warming pollution. We funded renewable energy and engagement programs in the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest and New England; regions of the country in which our family lives, and that we know best. In addition, the committee funded programs to protect and restore water resources and reduce the levels of toxins in local communities. In this way we are addressing issues impacting critical environmental systems.

The board and staff of the Carolyn Foundation appreciate all of the extraordinary efforts our nonprofit partners are putting forth in providing vital support to Minneapolis, New Haven and the environment.

Sincerely,

Stewart F. Crosby, 2009 Board Chair

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CAROLYN FOUNDATION

2009 GRANTMAKING SNAPSHOT

Carolyn Foundation Grants 2009 $1,016,500

30%

70%

Environment Community Grantmaking

Environmental Grantmaking $304,50011%

89%

Proactive Responsive

Community Grantmaking $712,000

86%

14%

Children and Youth Community Cultural Vitality

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CAROLYN FOUNDATION FUNDING PRIORITIES AND INTEREST AREAS

Supporting Economically Disadvantaged Children and Youth

We seek to empower economically disadvantaged children and youth in Minneapolis, MN and New Haven, CT, by supporting their families and other caring adults to inspire, nurture educate and guide them to achieve long-term stability and well-being.

We believe that all children and families have a collection of strengths and assets that they can use to build positive lives for themselves. However many families’ economic circumstances severely limit their access to information and the range of opportunities necessary for their children to achieve long-term stability and well-being. We believe that this is a gap that the Carolyn Foundation can help address. Therefore, as we review proposals we carefully look at the populations being served and focus our efforts on those with significant economic challenges.

Community and Cultural Vitality

We seek to support the vitality of Minneapolis, MN and New Haven, CT through a variety of programs, such as arts, civic and cultural organizations. We believe that the quality of life for all people is enhanced by having a diverse and vibrant cultural community that nurtures and challenges its members.

Environmental Grantmaking

Our environmental program area is divided between foundation initiated grantmaking for which we will not accept unsolicited requests and responsive grantmaking for which we will consider unsolicited grant requests.

After intensive research the Carolyn Foundation Environmental Grant Review Committee identified decreasing energy related pollution and promoting renewable energy as a key funding priority for both proactive and responsive grantmaking.

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2009 Community GrantmakingSupporting Economically Disadvantaged Children and Youth

We enable children and youth to be successful in school.Carolyn Foundation funds programs that help young people capitalize on their strengths and overcome obstacles to school success thereby preparing them for positive post secondary options.

Achievement First www.achievementfirst.orgNew Haven CT$20,000 for expansion of New Haven schools (general operating support)

Cristo Ray Jesuit High School www.cristoreytc.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for general operating support (college preparatory school)

Groves Academy www.grovesacademy.orgSt Louis Park MN$15,000 for development and implementation of an intensive literacy program with Longfellow School in Minneapolis and Wilder Research

Guthrie Theater www.guthrietheater.orgMinneapolis MN$7,500 for the In-School Shakespeare Residency

Hiawatha Leadership Academy hiawathaleadershipacademy.org Minneapolis MN$20,000 for increasing salaries of the teaching staff

Independent Feature Project (IFP) www.ipfnorth.orgSt Paul MN$5,000 for programming in the Minneapolis public schools

Joyce Preschool www.joycepreschool.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for Padres de Familia Latino parent support program and the Family Literacy Program

KIPP Minnesota www.kippminnesota.orgMinneapolis MN$20,000 for support expansion of KIPP school, KIPP Stand Academy

Legal Rights Center www.legalrightscenter.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for Family Group Conferences for students to resolve behavioral issues at school

Leonardos Basement www.leonardosbasement.orgMinneapolis MN$5,000 for outreach campaign to 4th & 4th grade students at Andersen Elementary & Stewart Park in Minneapolis

Library Foundation of Hennepin County www.suportthelib.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for Homework Hub, a comprehensive package of after-school tutorial and engagement programs in Minneapolis

Long Wharf Theatre www.longwharf.orgNew Haven CT$10,000 for the urban suburban theatre exchange

Migizi Communication, Inc. www.migizi.orgMinneapolis MN$20,000 for the Native Academy Program

Minnesota Humanities Center www.minnesotahumanities.orgSt Paul MN$5,000 for the Bdote Memory Map in Minneapolis

Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network www.immigrantfreedomnetwork.wordpress.com$10,000 for Youth Leadership Program and expansion of the Dream Curriculum in Minneapolis

Minnesota Sinfonia www.mnsinfonia.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for the Music in the Schools educational program

People Serving People www.peopleservingpeople.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for maintenance of Children’s Services programs, the Child Development Center and the Technology and Tutoring Programs

Phyllis Wheatley Community Center www.phylliswheatley.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for the Academic Achievement Program

Pratt Council www.prattschool.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for general operating support for Pratt Community School positions

Scholars of Minnesota - COPE Project http://scholarsofminnesota.orgEagan MN$5,000 for the ACT/SAT (after-school) College Preparatory Mentoring Classes in Minneapolis

Teach for America Twin Cities www.teachforamerica.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for development of a Teach for America presence in the Twin Cities

Christo Rey Jesuit H.S.

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We provide access to resources to promote a healthy lifestyle for children and families.Young people and families can make wise choices when they have access to a full range of health and lifestyle information and alternatives. By providing this information through organizations that families trust and respect we increase the likelihood that they will get the support and information they need and want.

Freeport West www.freeportwest.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for the health and wellness program, Commit 2B Fit

Midwest Food Connection midwestfoodconnection.orgMinneapolis MN$5,000 for expanding the elementary school program in healthy eating

Pro-Choice Resources www.birdsandbees.orgMinneapolis MN$5,000 for the Powderhorn Park Peer Pregnancy Prevention Program (P6)As part of the Birds and the Bees project

Sight & Hearing Association www.sightandhearing.orgSt Paul MN$6,000 for vision and hearing screening of 600 low-income children in Minneapolis

Midwest Food Connection - Chris Bohnhoff

Midwest Food Connection - Chris Bohnhoff

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We assist children and youth develop positive relationships with adults, life skills and good decision-making.Young people who are competent and confident about their future do well. Helping young people develop their skills and see their potential is perhaps the most critical gift anyone can give a child. The programs funded in this area provide age appropriate youth development opportunities building both confidence and competence.

Banyan Community www.banyancommunity.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for the After School Program

Girls Scouts of MN/WI River Valleys www.girlscoutsrv.orgSt Paul MN$10,000 for community initiatives, which serve girls in diverse communities

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota (HCCM) www.hispanicmn.orgMinneapolis MN $5,000 for the Latina Leadership initiative

Kwanzaa Community Church www.kwanzaachurch.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for expansion of Kwanzaa’s Freedoms School after-school program

Leadership Education & Athletics in Partnership (LEAP) www.leapforkids.orgNew Haven CT $25,000 for the Children’s Program and Youth Development Program

Leg Up Inc New Haven CT$20,000 for general operating support to expand programs

New Haven Ecology Project Inc. Common Ground School New Haven CT www.commongroundct.org$15,000 for Kids Unplugged program

The Cookie Cart www.cookiecart.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for general operating support for unique youth training programs

The Link www.thelinkmn.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for the Project Potential Initiative

The Sanctuary CDC www.sanctuarycdc.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for the youth development programs

LEAP

LEAP

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We support families’ ability to nurture and support their children. Parents and families are the single most important resources for children. Yet there are many challenges that can impede a family’s ability to effectively support and care for their children. Funding programs that help build effective parenting skills and provide support systems for families.

Angel Foundation www.mnangel.orgBloomington MN$10,000 for the Financial Assistance Program in Minneapolis

Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) www.clues.orgSt Paul MN$10,000 for Family Services Case Managers in Minneapolis

Genesis II for Families www.genesis2.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for the Bright Beginnings teen mentoring program

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery www.crisisnursery.orgGolden Valley MN$15,000 for general operating support in Minneapolis

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota www.ilcm.orgSt Paul MN$10,000 for expansion of the New Beginning Project in Minneapolis

Indian Child Welfare Law Center www.icwlc.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 the Indian Children’s Stability Program in Minneapolis

Junta for Progressive Action www.juntainc.orgNew Haven CT$15,000 for general operating support

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis www.midmnlegal.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for the Our Children Safe At Home Project

Minneapolis Urban League www.mul.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for Project Murua: A Pre-meditated Parenting Boot Camp

New Haven Legal Assistance Association Inc www.nhlegal.orgNew Haven CT$15,000 for the Legal Literacy Project

Northpoint Health & Wellness Center Inc www.northpointhealth.orgMinneapolis MN $15,000 for the Gateway program

Parenting With Purpose www.parentingwithpurpose.orgBrooklyn Park MN$5,000 for general operating support (focus on strengthening families in Minneapolis who have an incarcerated parent & are economically disadvantaged)

St. David’s Child Development & Family Services www.stdavids.netMinnetonka MN $20,000 for the Infant-Parent Development Program

Joyce PreschoolHiawatha Leadership Academy

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We provide direct access to quality arts and creative expression. Opportunities for high quality, hands-on arts and music experience enable creative expression, enrich childrens’ lives and enhance learning. It may be performing in a play, painting a picture, writing a story or learning an instrument whatever it is it provides the opportunity to uniquely enrich the passion and spirit by working with talented artists and teachers. Too often these important opportunities are only available to children from middle and upper income families.

Bedlam Theatre www.bedlamtheatre.orgMinneapolis MN$15,000 for the Drama Club for Youth

Highpoint Center for Printmaking www.highpointprintmaking.orgMinneapolis MN$6,000 for the North Meets South Arts Initiative

Juxtaposition Arts Inc www.juxtaposition.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for general operating support

Mentoring Peace Through Art Hopkins MN$5,000 for mural art by middle and high-school youth in Minneapolis

Juxtaposition Arts Inc.

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Supporting Community and Cultural Vitality

We support the vitality of our communities through a variety of programs, such as arts, civ-ic and cultural organizations. We believe that the quality of life for all community members is enhanced by having a diverse and vibrant cultural community that nurtures and challenges the population.

Arts Council of Greater New Haven www.newhavenarts.orgNew Haven CT$10,000 for general operating support

Hennepin History Museum www.hennepinhistory.orgMinneapolis MN$20,000 for a restorative project

Intermedia Arts www.intermediaarts.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for general operating support for multi-disciplinary art programs

Jawaahir Dance Company www.jawaahir.orgMinneapolis MN$5,000 for general operating support for Middle Eastern dance

Minnesota Opera www.mnopera.orgMinneapolis MN$7,500 for Project Opera rehearsals and performances located in Minneapolis

Online Journalism Project www.newhavenindependent.orgNew Haven CT$10,000 for an online reporting and civic engagement campaign in New Haven

Restorative Justice Community Action Inc. www.rjca-inc.orgMinneapolis MN$10,000 for general operating support (support the ongoing efforts of RJCA to improve community livability through restorative justice practices)

Ten Thousand Things Theater Company www.tenthousandthings.orgMinneapolis MN $15,000 for general operating support for the theater season

Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) www.tpt.orgSt Paul MN$10,000 a project gift in support of Minnesota Channel production scholarships for nonprofits

MN Sinfonia

MN Opera

RE-AMP www.rffund.orgNew York, NY$35,000 for Steering Committee core budget support

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Environmental Grantmaking

Proactive Environmental Grantmaking reflects the deep interests and priorities of our foundation.

Responsive Grantmaking

Clean Water Fund - Midwest Regional Office www.cleanwateraction.org/mnMinneapolis MN $25,000 for development and use of safer alternatives for toxics

Clean Wisconsin www.cleanwisconsin.orgMadison WI $17,000 for the Wisconsin Renewable Energy Campaign

Climate Solutions www.climatesolutions.orgOlympia WA$15,000 for the Harvesting Clean Energy program

Community to Community Development http://foodjustice.org/wp/Bellingham WA$29,500 for a small-scale biodiesel production project

Connecticut Farmland Trust www.ctfarmland.orgHartford CT$10,000 for protection of Greater New Haven’s threatened farmland

Cooperative Development Services (CDS) www.cdsus.coopSt Paul MN$15,000 for delivery of technical business assistance for at least 6 new co-op; energy projects in the Upper Midwest

Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest www.elpc.orgChicago IL$20,000 for legal and policy advocacy work to accelerate solar photovoltaic development in 6 central Midwest States and expand work in 5 Great Plains states

Friends of the Mississippi River www.fmr.orgSt Paul MN$23,000 for permanent protection for some natural places in the Twin Cities area

Northwest Natural Resource Group www.nnrg.orgPort Townsend WA$20,000 for the NW Neutral Forest Carbon

Pacific Rivers Council www.pacrivers.orgPortland OR$25,000 for Legacy Rivers: Protecting and Restoring the North Umpqua River

Project on Government Oversight www.pogo.orgWashington DC$20,000 for investigative work on contractor accountability in the environment area

Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition www.wildsalmon.orgSeattle WA$20,000 for outreach to eastern WA wheat growers and farm leaders and to WA public utility boards

Toxics Action Center www.toxicsaction.orgWest Hartford CT$15,000 for the Neighborhood Assistance Project in Connecticut

Willamette Riverkeeper www.williametteriverkeeper.orgPortland OR$15,000 for the Portland Harbor superfund Cleanup project

FMR Stenciling photo by Meghan Dudle

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Board of Trustees:

Stewart F. Crosby, ChairMarguerite Goss, Vice-ChairJennifer Phelps, TreasurerRebecca Erdahl, SecretaryBetsey CoppEugenie CoppAndrew Crosby*Brewster CrosbyTimothy Crosby*Michael DobsonRosa Lizarde*Sarah VokeyTom WinstonGuido Calabresi, emeritusThomas M. Crosby, Jr. emeritus * audit committee

2009 Community Committee

Lesley Crosby, ChairBetsey CoppClaire CrosbyCaroline BarryTom Case Ellie Crosby

Financial Information

As of December 31, 2009Unrestricted Net Assets: $ 30,454,382Income: $ 428,380Expenses: $ 304,136Grants paid in 2009 $ 1,016,500Miscellaneous Grants: $ 42,400

2009 Environment CommitteeSumner Crosby III, ChairRebecca CrosbyMissi GossNed HarveyDale Newman CrosbyRenee CaseAllyn Copp

Memberships:Minnesota Council on Foundations Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Custodian of Assets:

U.S. Bank

Staff:Rebecca L. Erdahl, Executive DirectorP 612.596.3279E BErdahl@carolynfoundation.org

Cynthia Mellin, AdministratorP 612.596.3266E CMellin@carolynfoundation.org

CAROLYN FOUNDATION 2009

Carolyn Foundation760 Baker Building706 Second Avenue SouthMinneapolis MN 55402www.carolynfoundation.org

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Joyce Preschool

CAROLYN FOUNDATION

GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please visit our website www.carolynfoundation.org for complete information about the Carolyn Foundation Grant Application Process.

Website contents include:Guidelines: Programmatic & Funding Focus Areas Community Grantmaking Economically Disadvantaged Children & Youth Children & Youth Guideline Fit Self-Assessment (new) Community and Cultural Vitality Environmental Grantmaking Responsive Grantmaking Foundation Initiated Grantmaking

Forms: Application cover sheet for Carolyn Foundation applicants Common Grant Application

FAQ (Frequently Answered Questions): Community Grantmaking Environmental Grantmaking General Information

Reports: Approved grants lists Annual Reports

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Carolyn Foundation760 Baker Building706 Second Avenue SouthMinneapolis MN 55402www.carolynfoundation.org