The Story of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation: CWF @ 25

CWF @ 25

The Ciresi Walburn Foundation announced the release of a book commemorating the Foundation’s first 25 years. The book—which features stunning photography of our grantees and partners—begins with the origin story of our work and covers more than two decades of philanthropic impact, including how our work has changed to respond to shifting community needs.

To request a few copy or copies of the book, please fill out this form:

Introduction: Reflections on Twenty-Five Years

From brainstorming on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean . . . to years of fierce litigation against one of the world’s most powerful industries . . . to the creation of a Foundation that set out to make its mark in our home state of Minnesota . . . This is our journey.

The Ciresi Walburn Foundation was born in the waning days of the twentieth century with proceeds from an historic settlement against the U.S. tobacco industry. A small team of attorneys risked it all in that epic battle, against a foe that had never before been defeated. With a portion of the settlement, a Foundation was established that aimed to forge a more equitable state by fighting for all Minnesota youth to have a fair chance to reach their full potentials.

In the years that followed, the Foundation board and staff have carried on this bold spirit with an unflinching resolve to challenge the status quo.

This book marks our Foundation’s twenty-fifth anniversary, over which time we’ve awarded more than $35 million in grants. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our extraordinary grantees and partners . . . a time to look back and reflect on lessons learned . . . and a time to look forward and begin to envision a course for the future.