Many areas of the economy are recovering, and Minnesota grantmakers plan to participate in this upward trend, according to a recent report from the Minnesota Council on Foundations (MCF). The MCF's 2013 Outlook Report revealed that corporations and foundations anticipate increasing donations by about 2 percent this year.

Some of the causes that could see more attention in the next year include educational initiatives, racial and ethnic groups. During the recession, many foundations focused more of their resources on efforts to meet basic needs and provide human services, but this change might mean educational support reaches levels that were seen before the economic downturn, said MCF president Bill King.

"Our state's grantmakers are feeling a little more optimistic than they were last year at this time when they were predicting flat or slightly increased giving," King added. "Almost 40 percent of our survey respondents plan to give more, and just under half predict their grantmaking will hold steady at last year's levels."

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