About The Fellowship

In July of 2013, the world lost Ron McKinley: a mentor, philanthropist, and change-agent. Ron was a person known for tireless work across his career to ensure that all people from traditionally under-served communities could be afforded equal access, opportunities, and necessary resources to fully participate in philanthropy. In honor of Ron and his legacy - and with his family's blessing - the fellowship was named in his remembrance.

Ron McKinley’s values, and his desire to see underrepresented people fully included, valued, and thriving across systems is a guidepost for today’s Minnesota Council on Foundations Ron McKinley Fellowship Program.


Eight fellows are currently engaged in work at four foundations. Eleven alums are leading in philanthropy, nonprofit and government roles. Eight foundations are having different conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and responsive grantmaking because of the presence of fellows.


MCF is pleased about what has been accomplished through the Fellowship so far, but recognizes the need to make some fundamental changes to the core program as it grows and evolves.

Please share a bit about yourself and submit your feedback and wishes for the renewed program.

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* 1. How would you best describe yourself? Share the TOP 3 identity characteristics that are meaningful to you (example: millennial/muslim/cisgender female):

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* 2. Do you identify as Indigenous and/or Person of Color?

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* 3. Please describe the PROFESSIONAL characteristics with which you self-identify. For example, "I am a full-time professional artist," or "I am the Managing Director of a strategic consulting firm."

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* 4. Which of the following best describes the field(s) in which you have spent the majority of your career to date?

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* 5. Which of the following best describes you?

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