Minnesota Humanities Center
The Minnesota Humanities Center is an independent, nonpartisan, nonideological nonprofit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Founded in 1971, it serves as Minnesota's exclusive partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, one of 56 state humanities councils recognized and financially supported by the federal agency. The organization curates stories, co-creates engagement opportunities, increases knowledge, and produces resources through education, civic renewal, immersive experiences, and public programming. It operates a full-service event center in a historic building on Saint Paul's East Side.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$27.6M
-9.7% YoY
Revenue
$6.5M
-72.6% YoY
Net Investment Income
$182K
+80.8% YoY
Expenses
$9.9M
+5.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To spark positive change by increasing collective understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our histories through stories and experiences.
Vision: A just society that is curious, connected, and compassionate.
The organization's work centers on addressing inequities in who shapes narratives about Minnesota's identity, culture, and history. It focuses on amplifying stories and experiences of people and communities that have been missing and marginalized. Primary program areas include:
- Education and K-12 professional development services for schools and educators
- Civic renewal and public humanities programming
- Immersive experiences and community engagement
- Grantmaking to strengthen community bonds and celebrate traditions
Grantmaking
The Minnesota Humanities Center is an active grantmaking organization with 9 live grant opportunities. Typical award ranges are $5,300 to $472,500.
Ready to take the next step with Minnesota Humanities Center?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Minnesota Humanities Center funds throughout Minnesota statewide.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $27.6 million to $30.6 million (as of fiscal year 2023)
Annual Revenue: $23.7 million (fiscal year 2023)
Annual Expenses: $9.41 million (fiscal year 2023)
Total Liabilities: $814,000 (fiscal year 2023)
Employees: 29-38 staff members
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) organization; tax-exempt since July 1979; EIN 41-1322769
Funding Sources: National Endowment for the Humanities, State of Minnesota (including Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund), private and corporate foundations, individuals, and revenue from fees and conference center rentals.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $27,594,386 | $30,568,198 | $16,154,392 |
| Revenue | $6,498,770 | $23,707,380 | $4,358,206 |
| Expenses | $9,896,506 | $9,405,048 | $9,329,918 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $182,437 | $100,904 | $17,245 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
14 open opportunities from Minnesota Humanities Center
Children’s Museums Grant
Minnesota Humanities Center
Amount
Up to US $100,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Civics Grants
Minnesota Humanities Center
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Community Identity and Heritage Grant
Minnesota Humanities Center
Amount
Up to US $300,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Kevin Lindsey – Chief Executive Officer
- Beth Pitzel Commers – Chief Impact Officer (joined January 2026)
- Sung Ja Shin – Director, K-12 Education (position noted in sources)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Lindsey | CEO | 40 | $202,973 |
| Johua Ney | Chair | 1 | — |
| Mattie Harper DeCarlo | Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| Sherry Sanchez Tibbetts | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Lynne K Leaf | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Nancy Aronson Norr | Director | 1 | — |
| Michelle Bauer | Director | 1 | — |
| Julie Brock | Director | 1 | — |
| Will Cooley | Director | 1 | — |
| Dr Marcheta Evans | Director | 1 | — |
| Dr Antonia Felix | Director | 1 | — |
| Dr J Wes Flinn | Director | 1 | — |
| David Hamlar | Director | 1 | — |
| Mary L Hilfiker | Director | 1 | — |
| Amina Jaafar PhD | Director | 1 | — |
| Kirsten Johnson | Director | 1 | — |
| Matt Kuskie | Director | 1 | — |
| Warren Larson | Director | 1 | — |
| Kristie Lazenberry | Director | 1 | — |
| Dr Matt Lindstrom | Director | 1 | — |
| Dr Carter Meland | Director | 1 | — |
| Jordan Metsa | Director | 1 | — |
| Jessica O'Brien | Director | 1 | — |
| Rebecca Lynn Petersen | Director | 1 | — |
| Carolyn Roby | Director | 1 | — |
| Kim Schaufenbuel | Director | 1 | — |
| Jay Sieling | Director | 1 | — |
| MayKao Fredericks | CHO | 40 | $112,857 |
| Aby John | COO | 40 | $125,049 |
| Casey Demarais | Director of Stratagy | 40 | $116,878 |
| Rose McGee | Humanities Griot | 40 | $118,296 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Minnesota Humanities Center received the 2021 Schwartz Prize. The organization has announced grant extensions and continues to expand opportunities for understanding, learning, and collaboration across Minnesota communities.
Grants - Minnesota Humanities CenterData last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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