The School Board established the fund to create a permanent, long-term source of support for current and future generations of students. The endowment provides another responsible financial tool for sustaining exceptional educational programs while helping the District prepare for future needs.

Public funding remains the foundation of Minnetonka Public Schools. However, state funding can fluctuate, and state law limits the amount of additional operating revenue the District can seek locally. Philanthropic support complements public funding by helping protect and strengthen opportunities that extend beyond minimum state requirements.

Donations to the endowment do not replace the public’s responsibility to fund education. They help Minnetonka preserve excellence, encourage innovation and plan responsibly for the future.

Every gift becomes part of a permanent investment in Minnetonka students.

1. You make a gift. Contributions from individuals, families, alumni, businesses and community partners become part of the endowment’s principal.

2. Your gift is invested. Endowment assets are invested for long-term growth in accordance with Minnesota law and District policy.

3. The original gift remains intact. The principal—or corpus—of each gift is preserved permanently and is not spent.

4. A portion of investment earnings supports students. Once the fund generates sufficient earnings, an approved portion may support educational programs and opportunities.

5. The fund continues to grow. Earnings retained in the endowment help increase its value and its ability to support future generations.

The fund is governed by the Minnetonka School Board, with support from an advisory committee and professional investment management. Its performance, distributions and use will be publicly reported through the District’s established financial reporting processes.

No. The defining promise of the Perpetual Endowment Fund is that the original contribution becomes part of the fund’s permanent principal, or corpus. It is invested to generate earnings and is not available for District operating expenditures.

Investment earnings may support educational programs and opportunities identified by the School Board as priorities for Minnetonka students. These may include signature programs, innovative learning experiences and emerging needs that extend beyond minimum state educational requirements.

The amount available for distribution and the priorities supported will be determined in accordance with the trust agreement and School Board policies.

The Minnetonka School Board has ultimate responsibility for governing the fund and approving how available earnings are used. The Board may receive recommendations from the fund’s advisory committee, District administration and professional advisors. All decisions must follow the trust agreement, applicable law and adopted District policies.

Your gift will join other contributions to create a source of support designed to last indefinitely. As the fund grows, its earnings can help preserve exceptional learning opportunities, support innovation and give future District leaders greater flexibility to respond to student needs.

Because the original gift remains invested, its impact can extend far beyond a single school year or generation.

The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation and the Perpetual Endowment Fund share a commitment to supporting students, but they serve different purposes.

The Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that raises and distributes funds for current educational priorities, including grants and programs that can make an immediate difference in schools. The Perpetual Endowment Fund is governed by the Minnetonka School Board and is designed primarily for long-term support. Its original contributions remain invested permanently, with only an approved portion of investment earnings available for use.

Together, these approaches provide both immediate and lasting support for Minnetonka students.

The District is committed to transparency and public accountability. Information about the fund’s assets, investment performance, expenses, distributions and supported priorities will be included in established District financial reporting and auditing processes. Additional impact updates may also be shared with donors and the broader community.

Contributions are intended to qualify as charitable gifts to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their tax, legal or financial advisors regarding their individual circumstances.

The District anticipates accepting direct financial contributions as well as certain planned, corporate and non-cash gifts. Additional guidance will be available for donors interested in stocks, estate gifts, real estate or other assets.