About Us
Mission / Vision Statements
Vision: To make Eagan the best place to live, learn, work and play.
Mission: To build a legacy for Eagan one gift at a time.
The Eagan Foundation is the Eagan community's philanthropic vehicle of choice, seeking funds and contributions for ongoing work in the City of Eagan. It provides the means for improving the quality of life for Eagan's present and future generations by spearheading community projects.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors representing a cross section of the Eagan community. The board monitors the Foundation's assets to ensure maximum return for community needs.
History
The Eagan Foundation, Incorporated grew out of discussions in 1990 by educators and business people in Eagan interested in creating a scholarship program for graduating seniors at the newly created Eagan High School. Since then, more than $500,000 in scholarships have been distributed to Eagan residents. Additionally, the Foundation has been involved in many community programs and charitable initiatives for the Eagan community.
Grandfather Tree Project, 2001: In the early design stage for a new central park in Eagan, the City discovered that a lone burr oak tree -- symbolic of the City's heritage-- stood in the place of a planned roadway. Community residents developed a plan to move the tree to a new location in the park. The Eagan Foundation served as the fiduciary for the funds raised and brought the community together at informational gatherings to watch the tree's progress during the move.
Eagan Residents Flood Relief, 2000: The summer of 2000 saw devastating flooding in the Eagan community. There were many families with needs that went beyond what federal assistance was able to provide. In response, the community contributed nearly $125,000 to The Eagan Foundation for Eagan Flood Relief Fund. In turn, The Eagan Foundation joined with the Eagan faith community to form an "Unmet Needs Committee." The Unmet Needs Committee developed criteria and identified resources to deploy the financial resources into the community.
"Eagan Forever Green" Tree Replanting Project, 1998-99: In 1998, eighth grader, Kate Munson from Black Hawk Middle School, won an Eagan Foundation essay contest suggesting a community-wide effort to plant trees as a way to improve Eagan in a cross-generational approach. Given the heavy damage and loss to trees in spring storms, the City Council, the Eagan Foundation and other community volunteers set up the "Eagan Forever Green" Committee making available 5,000 trees at areduced cost to residents.
Eagan Civic Arena, 1994-95: In 1993, The Eagan Foundation was asked by interested groups, to assist in raising the $600,000 in matching funds designated by the City Council to build a new ice arena/recreational facility. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, The Eagan Foundation agreed to serve as an "umbrella" charitable organization to handle contributions, distributions and accountings and audits. Our board members also participated in the promotion, fundraising, and marketing neede to open the arena in October of 1995.
