Grantmakers in Minnesota plan to give 2 percent more this year than last year, reports the Minnesota Council on Foundations.
A survey of corporations and foundations found about 40 percent plan to give more this year, and about half will give at last year's level.
"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," said Bill King, MCF president.
The group surveyed 104 Minnesota foundations and corporate giving programs in November, to see about their plans for this year. Those in the survey represent 75 percent of all Minnesota annual grantmaking.
Many of those surveyed plan to donate more to education programs. King said that indicates a return to historic levels of funding for education, which dropped recently.
"During and after the recent recession we saw increases in support to human services and basic needs," King said.
The entire MCF "2013 Outlook" is available online here.