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Eagan Community Foundation reports record scholarships, new endowment income and plans a community leadership academy
Summary
The Eagan Community Foundation told the council it awarded 31 grants totaling $61,000 in 2025, managed seven charitable funds totaling about $1.75 million, matched donors to deliver a record $145,250 in scholarships, and launched an Artworks Legacy Fund endowment that now generates roughly $45,000 annually.
Colleen Byrne, vice chair of the Eagan Community Foundation, and Executive Director Jamie Hopkins briefed the council on the foundation’s recent work, financial position and new programming.
"The foundation has and always will continue to connect local generosity with the community needs," Byrne said, outlining core programs including scholarships, community grants and donor stewardship. Byrne said the foundation has a 35-year history of local philanthropy.
Hopkins highlighted 2025 results: "In 2025 we awarded 31 grants totaling $61,000 to non profits serving Eagan residents," she said, and added that the foundation’s scholarship program matched 65 donors to 120 recipients for a record $145,250 in awards.
The pair described stewardship of seven charitable funds totaling about $1,750,000 and introduced the Artworks Legacy Fund, which Hopkins said began with $1.1 million in 2024 and had grown to $1.4 million; the fund generates roughly $45,000 annually to support arts and culture in Eagan and the South Metro.
Byrne and Hopkins also described new programming: a community leadership academy planned to launch in 2026 to build resident capacity for board service and civic roles, a young professionals board to expand outreach, and an executive advisory council to provide strategic guidance.
Council members asked about how the foundation is converting recent surge-era donors into sustained contributors. Hopkins said the foundation is focused on engagement, stewardship and building longer-term endowments to meet future needs.
The foundation invited council members and the public to upcoming events and said it will continue partnering with the city on volunteer and leadership programs.
