We’ve had a steady course from the beginning: Unceasing work toward equal opportunities for all Minnesota children.
Our Key Priorities
Eliminate the misconception that Minnesota schools provide a quality education for all OUR children.
Expand the number and capacity of high-performing schools and educational organizations throughout Minnesota serving students of color and low-income students.
Support parent and family engagement in schools and their demands for access to high-performing schools for all students.
Invest in strategies to diversify Minnesota’s educator workforce and equip teachers with the cultural intelligence and skills needed to support and educate all students.
Expand access to science-based literacy instruction; high-quality early childhood learning opportunities; equitable pathways to in-demand careers; and scalable, high-quality tutoring programs.
What we do and don’t do
The Ciresi Walburn Foundation seeks to partner with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that support youth and families in Minnesota.
We support efforts to eliminate inequities in the educational system. We’ve funded early learning programs, education policy and advocacy, programs that support educators, high performing K–12 schools, and wrap-around programs focused on children and families in high-needs neighborhoods. We also established a scholarship fund to help African-American males complete their undergraduate degrees and stride forward as tomorrow’s leaders.
We look forward to helping innovative, effective ideas gain traction and build momentum across the educational system.
What we don’t do: Wring our hands on the sidelines or accept a system that doesn’t provide all children the opportunity for the very best.
Our History
The Foundation was founded in 1998 with a $30 million commitment as a result of fees earned from the Minnesota tobacco litigation. As the litigation aimed to protect our state’s children, the Foundation focuses its giving on improving the lives of all Minnesota children. Originally named the Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi Foundation for Children, we changed our name in 2018 to honor the two veteran attorneys who spearheaded the tobacco litigation: Michael V. Ciresi and Roberta B. Walburn.
To date, the Foundation has granted more than $33 million to more than 130 schools and nonprofit organizations to further its mission.
Meet the Team
In order to fulfill our mission, we’ve gathered a team with education, legal, youth development, and workforce experience.