Midco Foundation
A force for good.
Midco brings more than connections to small towns and big cities. We care about our communities – and have been serving where we live for more than 90 years.
We established the Midco Foundation as the charitable arm of our Midco family of companies. Through grants, in-kind donations, team member gift matching and local support, the Midco Foundation invests in the work of charitable entities throughout the Midwest.
Since its inception in 1987, the Midco Foundation has contributed more than $6 million to non-profit organizations, local governments and schools. Grant recipients are positive changemakers who are significantly improving life, work and play in their respective communities. We’ve helped volunteer fire departments, food banks, disabled veterans’ services, community parks and more across our five-state footprint.
Who We Are
Whether it’s fighting food insecurity, supporting programs for kids, or investing in art, music, education and family services, we’re doing our part to give back to the communities we call home.
- Sponsorships and naming rights: Midco sponsors more than 175 organizations, programs and events across the Midco service area.
- Events: We are a part of more than 100 events each year.
- Public service announcements: Around one-fourth of Midco’s ad inventory is gifted PSAs – a $14 million value in 2021 alone.
- Midco Foundation grants: Each grant ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 and helps local organizations make a lasting impact in their communities.
- Public Wi-Fi: Temporary and permanent public Wi-Fi is provided for free during community events at local gathering places.
- United Way: Midco provides corporate sponsorships to eight local United Way chapters across our footprint.
- ACTS: This Midco program empowers team members to get involved in their community. Every Midco employee receives eight hours of Volunteer Paid Time Off to be used at an ACTS event.
Applying for Grant Funding
The Midco Foundation distributes grants twice each year to non-profit organizations that advance socially desirable goals in the Midco service area.
Applications for grants closed on August 24. Applicants will be notified by November 15. New grant applications will re-open on Dec 1.
Eligibility
Eligible organizations include any tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a 509(a)(1) or (2) designation, accredited school or university to which contributions are deemed tax deductible by the IRS, or public agency located in the United States. The grants can be used for special projects, facility improvements, equipment and programs but not operational costs. Priority is given to organizations located in the Midco service area.
Eligibility of an organization may change at any time and is at the discretion of the Midco Foundation.
To be considered for a grant, please provide:
- Proof of IRS 501(c)(3) certificate of designation. Exceptions to this requirement are government entities and schools, including colleges and universities.
- Additional information to support your request.
- Preferred but not required: An endorsement by a Midco team member.
Please complete the application form and submit all above documentation to Midco.Foundation@Midco.com. We will notify you once final grant decisions have been made.
Still have questions? Contact Midco.Foundation@Midco.com, Wynne Haakenstad at 952.844.2622.
The Midco Foundation does not extend grants to or for the following:
- Individuals
- Capital campaigns
- Political organizations, political campaigns and lobbying efforts
- Private foundations
- Organizations whose major function is donating to other charities
- Salaries
- Free or discounted Midco services
- Fundraising events
- General operational expenses
- Programs that exclusively serve religious purposes
- Organizations whose activities directly benefit the Midco team member or any family member or represent a conflict of interest for Midco or the team member
Midco Foundation Board
The Midco Foundation Board reviews and approves funding requests to charitable entities twice a year and encourages nonprofit organizations to apply for future grants for special projects, facilities improvements, equipment and programs.
Past Grant Recipients
More than $100,000 in grant funding is awarded each grant cycle to communities in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Fall 2022
58 nonprofits, schools and government organizations in 29 communities received Midco Foundation grant funding.
Spring 2022
Midco is proud to have chosen 63 nonprofits, schools and government organizations as grant recipients in 34 communities.
Fall 2021
Midco Foundation awarded grants to 71 nonprofits, schools and government organizations in 35 communities.
Spring 2021
69 nonprofits, schools and government organizations in 33 communities awarded Midco Foundation grant funding.
Fall 2020
We supported the work of 65 nonprofits, schools and government organizations in 28 communities across the Midwest.
